The White Sox agreed to terms on one-year deals with the following four players on Thursday, successfully avoiding arbitration:
- Justin Anderson (RHP): $900,000
- Penn Murfee (RHP): $780,000
- Andrew Vaughn (INF): $5,850,000
- Steven Wilson (RHP): $950,000
Vaughn, 26, is the most notable of the group as he was originally projected to earn $6.4 million in arbitration. Though he settled for about $0.55 million below that amount, the first baseman becomes the team’s third-highest paid player behind Andrew Benintendi ($17.1 million) and Luis Robert Jr. ($15 million).
Many have raised questions over whether Vaughn’s low defensive value and overall lack of production even warrant his contract heading into 2025. After all, he slashed .246/.297/.402 with a .699 OPS in 619 plate appearances, yielding a 97 wRC+ and -0.2 fWAR last season. It was a step back for a second-straight campaign as the former third overall pick in 2019 continues to distance himself from the lofty expectations originally placed upon him.
In-house, the White Sox don’t currently have many options to serve as Vaughn’s replacement. Tim Elko is in Triple-A Charlotte, but he isn’t quite knocking on the door as an everyday player. Miguel Vargas and Bryan Ramos will both be fighting for time at third basemen, though either could see increased reps across the diamond as well. New Director of Hitting Ryan Fuller appears ready to tackle Vaughn’s offensive approach as the team gives him one last chance to prove his worth.
As for the three pitchers, each settled for slightly below their projected amounts. Following the signings, the White Sox have agreed to terms with all of their arbitration-eligible players for the 2025 season.
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