In probably the least surprising news you’ll read all day, the White Sox are planning to return Tim Anderson next season.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reports the South Siders will pick up the shortstop’s $12.5 million team option for 2023.
Anderson, 29, slashed .301/.339/.395 with six home runs and 13 stolen bases in just 79 games this season. For his final two months of action, however, Anderson was far from the All-Star-caliber shortstop we’re used to seeing. From June 20 – when he returned from his groin injury – to August 7, the shortstop hit just .249/.287/.290 with one home run. Seeing how important Anderson is to the future of the team, the White Sox chose to make sure he was well-rested and fully healed by ending his 2022 campaign early.
The former American League batting champ previously reached a long-term deal with the White Sox back in 2017 that guaranteed him $25 million over six years. The contract also included club options worth $12.5 million for 2023 and $14 million for 2024 with a $1 million buyout.
Anderson made headlines a few weeks ago when he changed his representation, signing with Excel Sports Management. He is reportedly being represented by the agency’s baseball division led by partner and MLB agent Casey Close.
Though there hasn’t been much regarding Anderson’s long-term future with the Sox, it will surely be a storyline worth monitoring over the next couple years.
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Featured Photo: © Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
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