Why Anderson has become a money player for White Sox
GLENDALE, Ariz. - The White Sox have never signed a player to a $100 million contract, but they almost blew that figure out of the water three years ago.
The Sox thought they landed star free agent Manny Machado on an eight-year deal for a guaranteed $250 million. The offer had incentives that could have raised the amount to $350 million, but Machado wound up joining the Padres for $300 million guaranteed.
The shock has subsided, and catcher Yasmani Grandal's $73 million contract over four years remains the largest in franchise history.
Is Tim Anderson going to become the White Sox's first player to go over the $100 million mark?
He's in the final year of a six-year, $25 million contract that has been quite the bargain for the Sox. Even better for the franchise, they hold a $12.5 million option on Anderson for next season and a $14 million option on the standout shortstop for 2024.
Anderson has made it quite clear he wants to play his entire career with the White Sox, the team that drafted him on the first round in 2013.
If there is a contract extension in his future with the Sox, $100 million or more will undoubtedly be on the table.
Not only is Anderson one of the best hitters in the game - his average has been over .300 three years in a row - he's made himself into an above average shortstop and is the unquestioned leader in the clubhouse and in the dugout.
"We are all proud of him," first baseman Jose Abreu said. "Everybody knew what he was capable of but he made some changes for the better and everybody is seeing now the results, even himself. I'm the proudest one because I saw his potential and then just seeing all the effort, all the work he has put in to come to fruition, that's been a blessing."
Until it's time to talk about a new contract, Anderson will continue doing what he does best, pretty much everything.
"I'm excited to get back and do what I love," Anderson said. "Get back with my teammates and come on in and enjoy the game and have fun."
Anderson is a big reason the White Sox have made two straight playoff appearances. The next challenge is winning a series and advancing in October.
"This year is a new year," Anderson said. "Just keep building off where we stopped at last year. There's nothing really exciting. We've been doing this for a while. It's the same thing every year. You know what we are trying to do, it's to win the World Series. We are going to come here and play hard and try to win."