As of right now, the White Sox will not have the AL Comeback Player of the Year on the roster next year. They will also have one less starter.
Today, Jon Heyman reported that the White Sox are not planning to pick up Liam Hendriks’ $15M option for the 2024 season. Instead, the right-hander will become a free agent – though, he will make his $15M over the next 10 years with the White Sox. Additionally, Mike Clevinger declined his $12M mutual option, opting to take $4M and become a free agent.
The White Sox also released a thank you video for Liam Hendriks – which, in some ways, seems to close the door on his return.
Less notably, the White Sox also outrighted Clint Frazier and Trayce Thompson to Triple-A Charlotte as the roster cleaning begins.
Neither of these major moves comes as any surprise. Given that Hendriks is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, it didn’t make much sense to give him $15M this season if the White Sox are still planning to compete. Additionally, Clevinger well out-earned the $12M he would have made in 2024. He will likely get a much larger contract elsewhere.
The biggest news – or rather, lack of news – is Tim Anderson. The White Sox still hold a $14M option on him for the 2024 season and have until Monday to make the decision. The lack of news about the decision, especially considering the team has already made a decision on Hendriks, is puzzling – though, it likely means the White Sox are either still making a decision or are trying to trade Anderson while they still have the ability to.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available in regard to Anderson.
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