In 2018, Tyler White was a key piece of the Houston Astros offense down the stretch — hitting 12 home runs in just 66 games while producing an .887 on-base plus slugging percentage. In 2019? He was designated for assignment before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a low-level prospect.
So what changed?
White played in 71 games for Houston this year, batting .225/.320/.330 with just three home runs. After coming over to the Dodgers he was even worse (.045/.192/.045 in 26 at-bats) before being shut down for the season.
At 29 years old, White isn’t exactly a developmental prospect — but if you’re looking for reason to believe this all could pan out — which the Dodgers could use given the retirement of David Freese) — White has been treated for a thyroid issue and lost weight.