The White Sox are bringing back a familiar name.
The club and infielder Elvis Andrus are in agreement on a one-year deal. The deal was first reported by Jeff Passan and confirmed by the White Sox this afternoon. In a corresponding move, the White Sox have designated Bennett Sousa for assignment.
Andrus, 34, was originally released by the Athletics in August of last season before the White Sox signed him just two days later. The veteran not only filled in defensively for the injured Tim Anderson but also provided a much-needed spark to the offense upon his arrival.
Sousa, 27, was on the outside looking in when it came to a bullpen role for this season. The left-hander struggled last season for the White Sox, posting an 8.41 ERA in 20.1 innings. However, he is likely most well-known for being the pitcher on the mound for the first of Tony La Russa’s two 1-2 intentional walks last season.
In 43 games, Andrus hit .271/.309/.464 (49-for-181) with nine home runs, 28 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 1.7 WAR. Aside from his lone appearance as a designated hitter, Andrus played the rest of his 42 games at shortstop, just as he’s done for the entirety of his 14-year career. After testing free agency for the first time, the expectation now for Andrus is to become the team’s everyday second baseman.
Earlier this offseason, Andrus said in an interview with 670 The Score that he would be willing to switch off his natural position to remain with the White Sox.
“If that’s what it is … if that’s the only option I have, moving from short to another position, I’d be more than happy. For me, it’s about playing and, at this point in my career, winning.”
Before reaching the decision to bring back Andrus, the indication from the White Sox was for Romy Gonzalez and Lenyn Sosa to battle it out for the starting second base job. Utilityman Leury Garcia and free agent signee Hanser Alberto also figured to add to the competition, though all players brought more question marks to the table than anything. The move to add Andrus changes the landscape drastically as it provides much-needed stability to the position entering camp.
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Featured Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Good signing. He brought leadership and smart baseball last year. Something that was lacking.
He was a sparkplug the team needed. Andrus played hard and brought life to a team that seemed to be just going through the motions. Very glad he was resigned, an instant upgrade to second over what they had. Now if Colas can play RF we could be in for an exciting year. Lets go White Sox!