Twenty-seven years ago, the Chicago White Sox and Jerry Reinsdorf made an unprecedented splash in the free-agent market for slugger Albert Belle. Baseball history buffs and White Sox enthusiasts alike, let's step into the time machine and journey back to that game-changing day.
On Nov. 19, 1996, a seismic shift occurred on the South Side when the White Sox inked Belle to a contract that was staggering for its time. A guaranteed five-year, $55 million deal that dwarfed the earnings of baseball's best became the talk of baseball, and somehow Reinsdorf was the one signing the checks.
As we approach what might be a new record-breaking deal for Shohei Ohtani this offseason, it's impossible not to contrast with the White Sox' history and Reinsdorf's current approach to mega-deals.
“It’s a move that fundamentally shook the baseball financial landscape,” Claire Smith wrote in a 1996 article from The New York Times. It was a time when the White Sox were the ones setting records, not just observing them.
While it may be hard to believe now, it actually happened. Check out this article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in which some of the 1997 payrolls are displayed. Belle's $10 million salary alone eclipsed the entire payroll of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Belle brought robust numbers to the White Sox: 79 home runs and 268 RBIs in just two seasons while boasting a slash line that showcased his incredible hitting prowess.
"Albert has set himself apart from the rest of the players the past couple of years. He should be the highest-paid player in the game," said Frank Thomas, Belle’s teammate and a White Sox icon at the time.
Yet, in today's market, the $55 million contract seems almost quaint — especially juxtaposed with Reinsdorf's current hesitation to engage in a duel for high-profile, high-priced talent. With whispers of Shohei Ohtani's free agency stirring the winter winds, one can't help but wonder... will Reinsdorf EVER revisit the boldness of Belle's times? Or will the White Sox stand by as others continue to swing for the financial fences?
The answer was recently given when Reinsdorf took the stage to address the media after promoting assistant general manager Chris Getz to the GM position following the dismissal of Rick Hahn and Kenny Williams just a few months ago.
“We spent a lot of money this year,” Reinsdorf said.
“People talk about, ‘Why won’t the White Sox spend?’ I think we had a payroll $185 million this year. We’ll do what Chris thinks we ought to do that will make us better. Look, we’re not going to be in any Ohtani race, I’ll tell you that right now. I’ll tell you that. And we’re not going to sign pitchers to 10-year deals, but we’re going to try to get better. And that means trades. It potentially means free agents. It means playing smarter baseball. It means a lot of things.”
It sure sounds like the days of setting records are in the past.
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