For the first time in seven years, the White Sox appear likely to head into a season with someone other than Tim Anderson penciled in as their primary shortstop. The Sox bought out Anderson’s $14MM club option, and while a potential reunion isn’t entirely off the table, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that new GM Chris Getz is looking for a veteran option with good defensive skills who can be signed on a short-term deal. The idea would be for that veteran pickup to serve as a bridge to top prospect Colson Montgomery, who’s on track to make his MLB debut at some point in 2024.
Anderson turned in some strong defensive seasons early in his career, but metrics like Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved have soured on his glovework in recent years. He’s seemingly acknowledged as much, expressing a willingness to move to second base if need be. In all likelihood, Anderson no longer fits the description of what Getz is targeting for this role.
[Related: Previewing the 2023-24 Free Agent Class — Shortstops]
It’s a bleak crop of free-agent shortstops, though there are certainly a fair number of glove-first options who’d fit this billing. Longtime D-backs shortstop Nick Ahmed has been one of the sport’s premier defenders at the position since making his big league debut a decade ago. He’s never been a big threat at the plate — although he hits lefties fairly well — and shoulder injuries have tanked his past couple seasons. He missed almost the entire 2022 season due to surgery and hit just .212/.257/.303 in 210 plate appearances before being released by Arizona.
That said, Ahmed did manage a .257/.319/.428 batting line from 2019-20. He’s a career .257/.309/.430 hitter against southpaws. He also ranks eighth among all big leaguers, regardless of position, with 79 Defensive Runs Saved since 2015. Statcast is even more bullish, crediting him with a sensational 111 Outs Above Average in that time — second among all Major Leaguers, trailing only Francisco Lindor.
Elsewhere on the market, Paul DeJong has a long track record of quality glovework at shortstop, though his bat has wilted after a strong three-year run to begin his career in 2017-19. Since 2020, he’s turned in a grisly .200/.273/.352 batting line in 1213 trips to the plate. He was traded from the Cardinals to the Blue Jays at this year’s deadline but cut loose both in Toronto and later by San Francisco. DeJong was hitting .233/.297/.412 at the time of the trade but posted a disastrous .129/.128/.183 output between the Jays and Giants.
Speaking of the Giants, longtime shortstop Brandon Crawford’s contract expired at season’s end. He’s a free agent for the first time in his career and would certainly provide the Sox with a plus glove on a short-term deal, though he hasn’t yet made up his mind on whether he’ll continue his career into the 2024 season, tweets Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. Even if Crawford doesn’t retire, the soon-to-be 37-year-old might prefer to join a team with a clearer path to the postseason, if such an opportunity presents itself.
There are other options to consider. A reunion with Elvis Andrus could make some sense, and there are buy-low options like Amed Rosario to consider. Perhaps the Sox could pursue a multi-position option with some shortstop experience; Gio Urshela, Joey Wendle and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are all available. Urshela and Wendle have played more third base than shortstop, however, while Kiner-Falefa logged just eight innings there in ’23 and Rosario hasn’t turned in particularly strong defensive grades overall.
Whoever takes the reins, he’ll do so knowing that one of the sport’s top prospects is breathing down his neck. Montgomery, 21, posted a .287/.456/.484 batting line across three minor league levels in 2023 and ranks among the game’s top 20 prospects at FanGrahps (No. 12), Baseball America (No. 14) and MLB.com (No. 17). He climbed as high as the Double-A level in 2023 and will open the 2024 season either back at that level (presumably for a brief stint) or in Triple-A. Montgomery was the No. 22 overall pick in the 2021 draft, and he’ll get the opportunity to prove he can be the South Siders’ shortstop of the future before long.
Another exciting offseason for Sox fans. Ahmed, DeJong, Wendle. Exactly what we all dreamed of when Hahn was let go. F Jerry and his AAAA organization.
At least he’s not selling Adolis Garcia for 30 pieces of silver and trading Randy Arozarena right around the 100 year anniversary of the New York Yankees purchasing the Contract of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox
Call Freidman we got exactly what you’re looking for
I’ve got just the guy for the Chisox – somebody they’d feel comfortable with: Elvis Andrus.
He fits the criteria.
Nah, Getz said good defensive SS. Andrew is only adequate.
A big tumor emanating today is the Phillies being open to trading Nick Castellanos. The Guardians, who’ve long needed an answer on the OF are poised to offer Shane Bieber in what looks like a match made in heaven . Other names would be included to make this the blockbuster of the off season.
It’s not a tumor
MLB Trade Tumors
But is it benign or malignant?
LOL. Really. You think they are going to take on a 60 million contract?
That’s it right there. Anyone who is owed more than $15M annually for any length of time can just forget about CLE. Castellanos would solve a big problem for them, but not at that price.
When you see a post by OIC, you can just scroll past it
Erick Aybar?
Like Tim Anderson on a one year team option?
Or IKF for $5.5M?
That option was 14 million. He’s not even worth half of that, but I could see the White Sox offer 4-5 million and hope he bounces back.
I could see a one yr w incentives baked in for a 2nd yr club option. As the starting ss with declining skills he’s a liability. But as a 2b and potentially utility he’d be a nice asset especially w his ability to hit in the clutch.
Even if clutch hitting was an actual, repeatable skill, Anderson couldn’t hit in any situation last year.
You cannot be talking about Anderson… what ability to hit in the clutch, are you being ironic? All I saw Anderson do last year was leave guys on base, at least FAR more often than driving them in. Though to be fair the entire team seemed to have that issue, except Burger, who they promptly got rid of.. (I guess he was making the prima donnas feel bad for half assing it out there). Even if Anderson was out there, and could hit his worth, its not it with the sideshow antics of his or his godawful defense (especially when trying to box apparently).
I can see the Whitesox signing Luis Guillorme. I really don’t want him back on the Mets, provides nothing with the bat. Hes like a worse version of IKF. Can see the Whitesox giving him a chance since his defense is so good. Nicky Lopez is also an option if the Braves decide to get rid of him
But is he Spanish? That could be an issue.
I’m guessing that at this point in his career, that T.A could do better financially with a Jose Ramirez boxing rematch than playing baseball. C’mon seriously, how many of you will plunk down $99 pay-per-view to see that?
Watch Anderson make the All Star team with the Dodgers next year…
I think Amed Rosario would be a good fit. He won’t do much for you on defense but a great clubhouse guy with a lot of hustle. The White Sox can use it.
He really shouldn’t have been listed above as Getz said he wanted a good defensive SS, and he’s much like TA, with a better bat and better personality.
Mateo or Urias for Kopech or Patino.
Pretty wide variance in talent there. Patino was a waiver claim.
You could have Rick Patino. Just careful if he asks you to stay late in the kitchen
Makes sense since the SS options aren’t particularly appealing
I hear super utility infielder Josh Van Meter is available
As Sox attendance plummets with a crap product on the field, Sox ownership will once again blame the fans and say if you don’t come to the ballpark we won’t be able to afford free agents. The Sox have tried that approach before and the most money they ever gave a free agent went to Andrew Benintendi?
Worn out narrative- sure most they’ve paid in one lump sum free agency contract but not most they’ve paid per annum because they’re mo is to lock younger players up long term and hope they become part of the core. Different approach. Think out of the box a little old man
Fairly sure their is a KW quote to confirm that ‘worn out narrative’… and also fairly sure KW did not come up with that by himself, that sounds like ‘The Chairman’ through and through. They constantly low ball FAs which is why they get only middling players, or players WELL past their prime. Im sure KW regretted saying it, but he said it. Benintendi was a desperation heave from Hahn trying to save his job, which is the reason for the obvious overpay (then again it appeared Benintendi was one of the few hustling and producing out there, even without the home runs). I also think the situation with ‘The Chairman’ playing GM and stabbing Renteria in the back also had a lot to do with FAs not wanting to come here as well.
Reinsdorf: A repeat season of .600 OPS at Short? No way!
Getz: We’ll save you a few million bucks though with that awful production
Reinsdorf: What are we waiting for then?
Getz: Any of these guys are likely to provide more offence than what we got out of the position last year, and should prevent more grounders from becoming singles.
Trevor Story for Luis Robert. We’ll pay him
Are you crazy, is that your problem?
ALCIDES ESCOBAR
You could just shorten the title to, “White Sox Eyeing Short-Term” because the only long-term goal they eye is purgatory.
JR is a rotten, greedy man. Nonsensical decisions aside, he makes deliberate, evil decisions as well like keeping low-life Daryl Boston around for a cushy paycheck and hiring TLR as manager even though he’d gotten a ANOTHER DUI. Still, TLR is back in the front office to ensure all that lies below is tainted.
It’s like watching small-scale politics where the constituents have no say. Perhaps we’ll remember the past 50 years of Sox baseball as “Jerrymandering.”
Wait DBo is a low life? Did he run over your dog?
Do you really not know that DBo is a scumbag with past rap.e allegations?
No I just thought he was the awkward guy who greeted veterans every 3rd inning. Yikes
AL Central Shortstops not named Bobby Witt Jr were atrocious at the plate.
Nothing to contribute, I’m just hatin here.
Well Corea wasn’t atrocious, just maybe awful.
You’re not wrong
Bring Back Benetti to play SS.
So… renegotiate with Tim Anderson? I’m not even kidding. He’ll be much cheaper after the rough year he had, and he’s a veteran SS that’s likely short term. White Sox have nothing to lose and they know each other well. He probably would like a do over to redeem himself in Chicago and then next year if he bounces back he could get a better contract at age 31.
I think that’s likely. Sox did something similar w Elvis – thanked him for his service, encouraged him to test the market, and then welcomed him back. Getz took care not to burn any bridges, releasing TA to look around and being straightforward in telling him upfront that Colson is the future at SS. Teams can do worse than TA as a 2b-utility type
Elvis was/is not a complete sideshow though. The guy went out there and did his job. Elvis did not get hurt every other day, did not have external distractions to mess with the on the field product. He did not push an ump out of the way to put up his dukes only to get ‘haymakered’ into next week and in the process trying to get teammates hurt in a brawl while having to be picked up to remove him from a situation. I’d rather see ho hum production team player than reward a guy who apparently thinks more of himself than the team.
TA has said that he’s open to moving to 2B. Sign him to a one year deal to play 2B and sign a defensive first player for SS.
Your neighbors to the North can send you Wily Adames, let’s work out a trade!
Sure- any pitching from your seeming largesse? As much as i like Eloy – that could be a win-win. Your power depleted lineup could use some giddy up. Eloy loves to mash v the Cubs- useful skill set to all y’all in the wake of the Craigster poaching?
I’m not sure they’d dangle Eloy for an Adames rental of course, but if you’re looking for a closer with 2 years left, Williams could be had for sure…
A trade for Cease built around Tommy Edman?
Would need more from the Cards, but it’s not a bad thought. Only problem is Sox have just two starters right now. Not exactly trading from a strength for them, so they’d have to be overwhelmed to move him.
Its not like Cease and his 5 inning starts are really going to be a difference maker for the Sox in the next couple years.
The Sox are doing nothing next year because as you note they have two pitchers.. However, I do not trust this org to get anything amazing for Cease. They have to as well, you cannot count on the White Sox org to develop anyone (Especially after the Sale trade). They need to get talent that is good now, and Im not sure you get that for a guy who had about 1.5 ‘good’ seasons in Cease. Even if they get ‘good talent’ Im not sure the Sox org can make them excellent players.
Getz lets Tim Anderson go, didn’t pick up his option, and the replacement is going to bring the same level of production or possibly worse? Great, I am ecstatic for the 2024 White Sox season…
14 million dollars was a lot to bring him back, but the replacement might be worse is what gets me riled up…
I wouldn’t be so disappointed. Tim Anderson is the worst defensive SS in MLB and he doesn’t hit much anymore. That combined with his distances, the ChiSox are better off with a glove first SS. They still could win the AL Central next season.
No player was worse than TA last year. Any one will be better.
Kolten Wong says hello.
and nevermind the on field lack of production, how about the sideshow he caused all season and then with his antics in the Cleveland game… Anderson is not worth it on this field, regardless of where he plays.. Even if he goes somewhere else and destroys the ball, good for him, as it likely was not going to happen in the building filled with enablers.
If they’re going to do this, Brandon Crawford
Still gonna need someone to fill in for him during his inevitable IL stints.
I’ll take DeJong, screw it. What a dumpster fire…
I’d go with DeJong. Just because.
There are some interesting short term options there, but none that have the upside potential as Anderson. TA certainly isn’t a slam dunk to have a full rebound back to his league leading hitter days…… but it is possible. I wonder if they know something about his medicals that make him too risky, even on a 1-year deal.
When TA was hitting well he had the ability to carry the team, which he did a lot with the rest of the team on the IL.
He not only could get hot but he came big in big moments: postseason (.485 BA, 1.030 OPS), Field of Dreams game, even the World Baseball classic. He’s got some of that NBA swag that cranky old guys like the Muppet show dudes don’t appreciate, but a team needs in clutch moments
I think more than anything, the Sox rejected Anderson’s team option year because the cost relative to his most recent production was way off. He’s probably getting $4-5 million at best on the market given his 2023, not the $14 million he would’ve gotten from the team if he played well.
Only reason to reject a club option. Even if you don’t want that player anymore, if someone else is willing to pay him that money, you exercise the option and trade him.
The Chicago Stopgaps!
Thats all this team has been since about 2008, its what happens when you have a miser owner and lack of a good farm system (not taking about players either, talking about the coaches and instructions, or lack thereof). The Sox last good farm system was back in the late 80’s and early then late 90’s, and it shows with every lackluster season (except for the apparently lucky 2005 season).. With a good farm system you can be a miser as you have consistent talent through the system coming up, but with out that they are just exposed.
The Sox are back to being “mired in mediocrity” after their failed rebuild.
Luis Rengifo!
Dumpster diving Chris!
Talk about a team in total disarray even Jason Bennetti bolted for ….Detroit!
They can have him. While decent in the booth, I grew tired of his silly shtick and antics.especially when the team was doing bad in the game, it was so tone deaf, but at the same time it really spoke to the org as a whole. Say what you will about Hawk, he kept informing people about the game at hand, not sounding like he was trying to craft his standup routine. Sure he had asides and stories about the old days, but again he still managed to keep you informed of what was happening, and interrupting his story to do it.. it seemed like Benetti just treated the whole game like it was a comedy podcast that happened to occur during a baseball game.
Man, I thought you were talking about Tom Paciorek until that last sentence.
Everything the White Sox are doing, is consistent with owners planning to sell soon.
The last ChiSox rebuild was pretty fast but they needed to address the defense. This time, they don’t need a complete tear down. Fix the C & MI and this team could take the weak ALC
I hear Tim Anderson is available….
Dylan Cease for Ha-Seong Kim, Trent Grisham and Dillon Head?
Padres say no. Kim is that good and he’s pretty cheap.
He’s also a rental and preventing Crone from playing his natural position.
And at 2b, bring in Whit Merrifield for a couple years. And next year Merrifield could tutor Montgomery at SS and 2b. Merrifield is still a very solid player for 2 more years.
White Sox would you please take Trevor Story?
Elvis, Elvis, Elvis. The guy still hustles. He’s a positive clubhouse presence. Has shown a willingness to mentor younger players. Although he doesn’t hit well early in the season, his last two Aug/Sep were good. The guy is steady if not at times stellar with the glove. More importantly, he stays healthy. 2000+ hits/200+ steals is a helluva career
The Sox need to think more about the team and its chemistry.. Anderson was a sideshow specifically last season, it does not matter how much less he would take or where he would move on the field. The fact that he is willing to do this to stay with the org should tell you something, and its not positive. It should tell people that he liked it here for the wrong reasons. Cannot stay in shape, poor fundamentals in fielding, situational hitting, and then there is the attitude (the baby with an influencer, the weird brawl he caused and then the weirder twitter tirade after), and still getting paid like an all star, of course he wants to stay here.. No accountability, not thinking of his team mates, and getting paid like a boss. If Grifol REALLY is worth what he says, then Im guessing he went to Getz and said ‘I want him out of here’.
Anyone involved in the 2012 All-Star Game is being considered a primary target.