White Sox looking for second base help after declining Harrison's 2023 option
The White Sox have plenty of time to address a hole at second base.
In addition to trade options, players like Kolten Wong (Brewers) and Jean Segura (Phillies) are likely to become free agents after having their 2023 club options declined.
Maybe the Sox try to bring free agent Elvis Andrus back.
Claimed off waivers from Oakland on Aug. 19, Andrus played very well in place of injured shortstop Tim Anderson.
Andrus, 34, has only played short during his 14-year career, but he indicated a willingness to move to second base if he did return.
Josh Harrison was the Sox's primary second baseman this season, but the 35-year-old veteran hit the open market Monday after his $5.5 million club option for next year was declined. The White Sox opted to exercise Harrison's $1.5 million buyout.
Also Monday, as expected, the Sox picked up Anderson's $12.5 million club option for 2023.
Anderson signed a six-year, $25 million contract with the White Sox right before the 2017 season started. The deal includes the $12.5 million club option for next season and a $14 million club option for 2024.
In his one season with the Sox, Harrison brought needed energy, but didn't make much of an impact.
At the plate, he hit .256/.317/.370 with 19 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs and 27 RBI in 119 games. In the field, Harrison made 9 errors in 90 games at second base.
If the White Sox decide to fill the position in-house, Romy Gonzalez is the likely candidate to win the second base job.
Called up from Class AAA Charlotte in mid-August, the 26-year-old Gonzalez hit .238/.257/.352 with 2 homers and 11 RBI in 32 games.
One of the Sox's top prospects, Gonzalez had a tough season on the health front. He was on the injured list three times before joining the White Sox and had his tonsils removed in late June.
Leury Garcia can also play second base, but he's coming off a miserable season (.210/.233/.267) and missed most of the final month with a back injury.
Lenyn Sosa joined the Sox from Class AA Birmingham for a short stretch this season and was 4-for-35 (.114) in 11 games.