The White Sox made a pair of moves official this afternoon. While we all knew that Tim Anderson’s $12.5M option would be picked up, the team made it official this afternoon . The team also officially declined Josh Harrison’s $5.5M club option for 2023.
With this move, Harrison now becomes an unrestricted free agent, though the White Sox will have to pay his $1.5M buyout.
Here is the official press release from the White Sox:
“The Chicago White Sox have exercised the $12.5-million club option for the 2023 season on the contract of two-time All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson and have declined the $5.5-million club option for 2023 on infielder Josh Harrison ($1.5-million buyout).
Anderson, 29, hit .301/.339/.395 (100-332) with 13 doubles, six home runs, 25 RBI and 50 runs scored in 79 games last season. He was selected to start for the American League at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles, just the fourth shortstop in White Sox history to receive that honor.
Anderson was placed on the 10-day injured list on August 9 with a sagittal band tear on the middle finger of his left hand and missed the remainder of the season. His .318 average since the start of the 2019 season leads the major leagues.
Harrison, 35, batted .256/.317/.370 (99-386) with 19 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 27 RBI and 50 runs scored in 119 games last season, his first with the White Sox after signing as a free agent on March 15.”
By not bringing back Harrison, the White Sox now leave themselves without a second baseman heading into 2023. Lenyn Sosa, Leury Garcia, and Romy Gonzalez present themselves as options for a potential second base battle, though the White Sox may look to bring in a more definitive option before the beginning of 2023. If not, look for Gonzalez and Sosa to get extended looks in Spring Training after an underwhelming season by Garcia in 2022.
The White Sox are now just awaiting AJ Pollock’s decision on his $13M option heading into 2023. Should he pick it up, he will likely serve as a platoon outfielder next season.
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