A former White Sox top prospect has become a free agent.
According to various reports, infielder Nick Madrigal has been non-tendered by the Cubs. The decision comes as all 30 MLB teams had until 7 p.m. CT on Friday to “tender” a 2025 contract for unsigned players who are under club control.
Madrigal, 27, was originally selected fourth overall by the White Sox in the 2018 MLB Draft. His career on the South Side can be considered productive but short-lived, thanks in part to injuries and the Crosstown trade that sent him packing for reliever Craig Kimbrel. When all was said and done, Madrigal ended his White Sox tenure slashing .317/.358/.406 in 83 games, good enough for a 111 wRC+ and 1.8 fWAR over the two seasons.
NICK MADRIGAL WITH ANOTHER BOMB pic.twitter.com/ROnsV6H7OA
— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) June 5, 2021
After joining the Cubs along with reliever Codi Heuer, Madrigal has seen his career further derailed by injuries. Since 2021, his transactions log has remained active as he’s missed significant time with various strains to his back, groin, and hamstring. The former Oregon State product has taken the field just 202 times over the past three seasons, hitting .251/.304/.312 for a 76 wRC+ and 0.8 fWAR.
In 51 games this past year, Madrigal slashed .221/.280/.256 with no home runs, 10 RBI, and a -0.7 fWAR. He most recently suffered a fracture in his left hand after being hit by a Triple-A pitch in June, which sidelined him for the rest of 2024. Madrigal was projected to earn $1.9 million in 2025 and had two years left of control, though he’ll now be testing his luck in the free-agent market.
The White Sox also had their own decisions to make, notably keeping first baseman Andrew Vaughn despite his projected $6.4 million salary. Pitchers Garrett Crochet, Justin Anderson, and Steven Wilson also were tendered contracts, while right-hander Enyel De Los Santos and first baseman/outfielder Gavin Sheets were non-tendered.
For additional information on the roster moves, check out our recent article.
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