White Sox decline option on Tim Anderson
The White Sox declined their $14 million club option on shortstop Tim Anderson for the 2024 season ($1 million buyout), the team announced Saturday.
AP
The White Sox declined their $14 million club option on shortstop Tim Anderson for the 2024 season ($1 million buyout), the team announced Saturday.
Anderson, 30, a two-time All-Star and the major leagues batting leader with a .335 average in 2019, now becomes a free agent coming off his worst season. Anderson batted .245/.286/.296 with only one home run, 18 doubles, 25 25 RBI, 52 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 123 games last season, his eighth on the South Side.
He owns a career batting line of .282/.312/.422.
The 17th player chosen in the first round in the 2013 draft, Anderson was selected to two AL All-Star teams in 2021 and ‘22 and won the Silver Slugger award in 2020. His offensive numbers have outweighed his flashy but inconsistent defensive performances over the years.
A left knee sprain suffered in Minnesota in April halted Anderson’s good start, and may have affected his hitting through the season. His loss of power was staggering. He hit 82 home runs between 2017-21 but only seven the last two seasons, although he was limited to 79 games last season due to injuries.
At one time viewed as a popular face of the franchise, the bat-flipping leadoff man and energizing force became a shell of himself this past season while the Sox were posting a 61-101 record. He was more quiet on the field and in the clubhouse than usual.
Prospect Colson Montgomery is waiting in the wings to become the Sox next shortstop, although he may not be quite ready coming out of spring training. Anderson played second base in the World Baseball Classic last spring and was somewhat open to moving there next season, but the Sox apparently didn’t see that as an option.
Anderson signed a six-year, $25 million extension before the 2017 season, including club options for 2023 and 2024.
“From the 2019 batting title to the Field of Dreams walk-off and many more memories, your impact on this city is unforgettable,” the White Sox posted on social media Saturday. “Thank you for everything, TA.”
Following the move, the Sox 40-man roster decreases to 35. The only shortstops on the 40-man roster are Zach Remillard and Lenyn Sosa.
This story will be updated.