The Chicago White Sox have declined the option on shortstop Tim Anderson, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. The move now means that Anderson will receive a $1-million buyout and become a free agent.
Anderson, 30, hit .245.286.296 (121-for-493) with 18 doubles, one home run, 25 RBI, 52 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases while accumulating a -0.5 fWAR and -2.0 bWAR in 123 games last season. Across his eight years in Chicago, TA slashed .282/.312/.422 with 98 homers, 338 RBI, 117 stolen bases, and .735 OPS.
Considered one of the key faces of the franchise, Anderson has earned his fair share of accolades over the years. The Alabama native was selected to two American League All-Star teams, (2021-22; starter in ’22), won an AL Silver Slugger Award (2020), and led the league with a .335 average (2019) with Chicago. He hit .300 or better and finished in the Top 5 of the AL batting title race in three consecutive seasons from 2019-21. Anderson originally was selected by the White Sox in the first round (17th overall) of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.
Ultimately, the decision by the White Sox shows their unwillingness to risk overpaying Anderson for another disappointing year of production. Instead, he will now have a chance to land with another team, likely on a short-term deal, and regain his value.
The White Sox’s 40-man roster now sits at 35 following the move.
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