GLENDALE, Ariz. — To have that 2022 and ’23 version of Brandon Drury, now that would be something.
Thirty-three spring training at-bats does not an “I’m back” make, but Drury, after going 12-for-33 (.364) with three homers, six doubles and 10 RBI in 11 games for the White Sox this spring, feels a lot likw his old self and nothing like the 2024 version that saw him bat .169/.242/.228 in 360 plate appearances with the Angels.
Hamstring and wrist injuries were at play, ailments that adversely affected his swing. After he had slogged through the worst year of his season, he was not tendered a contract and the Sox, taking swings in all directions for minor league free agents and inviting them to spring training, came calling. Drury saw an opportunity to play and get his career percolating again.
“I saw a good opportunity here to get myself back on track,” Drury, 32, said.
So far, so good.
“I feel like I have a lot to prove,” Drury said. “I was finding my way in ’22 and ’23, had some pretty good years,’ Drury said. “I feel like I’m getter better and I have to prove it.”
The Sox were the worst team in the majors in numerous offensive categories and the worst team in modern history in 2024. They’re rebuilding, but if Drury hits like this, they’ll find a spot. Designated hitter is open, and there are multiple positions to be filled as manager Will Venable plans to move players around on his 26-man roster.
“I’ll play anywhere,” said Drury, who has appeared in 1,211 games at second base, 794 at third and 354 at first in his 10-year career. He has also played the outfield and a little at shortstop.
Drury won a Silver Slugger award with the Reds and Padres in 2022 and had a better year with the Angels in 2023 but battled wrist and hamstring injuries in 2024 and had the worst season of his 10-year career.
“I went through a bunch of stuff the whole season,” Drury said. “Probably shouldn’t have, but I did.”
When he wasn’t physically right, Drury said he couldn’t square the ball up. He hit almost everything into the ground, to the tune of a 57% ground ball rate. Now he’s feeling right and keeping it simple.
“Be short and behind the baseball,” he said. “Let the ball come to me and pulling it.
“Right away I went to how simple can I be.”
From 2021-23, Drury batted .263/.313/.493 with 58 home runs over 1179 plate appearances. It’s early, and it’s only camp games, but he looks more like that than his forgettable 2024 version.
“He looks great,” Venable said. “The bat has really come along. It looks more like the ‘22-’23 version than last year’s version of Brandon. I know he’s been working extremely hard the whole offseason and in camp, so happy for him that he’s feeling good and he looks great.”