Dayan Viciedo Released by White Sox: Latest Details and Reaction

In a move that's not surprising based on how the Chicago White Sox have built their roster this offseason, outfielder Dayan Viciedo has reportedly been released by the team. 

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the White Sox made the move Wednesday after completing their trade with the Angels from last year involving Gordon Beckham:

Ironically, the White Sox brought Beckham back in January after trading him to Los Angeles, and they designated Viciedo for assignment on January 28 to open a roster spot. 

General manager Rick Hahn told Scott Merkin of MLB.com that the idea behind designating Viciedo was to see if the White Sox could find a trade partner within the 10-day window before making any final decisions:

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The thought with designating him was flesh out any interest over the next 10 days or so and find him a better home going into the next season. He's still young and he still has a world of talent and a great deal of power that we've all seen on display over a number of years. It's not going to surprise any of us in the least if he goes on to have a very successful career elsewhere.

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Few teams have been as busy this offseason as the White Sox, who upgraded their outfield with the addition of Melky Cabrera and can use a platoon of Jose Abreu and Adam LaRoche at designated hitter, leaving Viciedo without a spot. 

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports speculated about a possible landing spot for Viciedo after he was designated for assignment:

Nothing ever came from the Athletics in a trade, though now there is nothing standing in Billy Beane's way if he wants to make Viciedo a contract offer. It's doubtful Oakland will be the only team trying to speak with the Cuban star. 

As Hahn said, there's going to be a team that takes a chance on Viciedo since he is only 25 years old and hit 21 home runs last season. The problem is he doesn't get on base, owning a .298 career on-base percentage, per Baseball-Reference.com. 

Because Viciedo has huge power from the right side and isn't going to cost much money at this stage of the offseason, it shouldn't take long for him to find a new home. His new team will have to get creative when he plays, as it's been proven he's not a starter on a good team. 

Power can carry a player a long way. Viciedo had three consecutive years with over 120 games played for the White Sox because of the potential in his bat. That potential never materialized, but youth and the hope to strike gold are going to keep him on an MLB roster for at least one more year.