The White Sox are in settlement with free-agent infielder Elvis Andrus on a one-year, $3 million deal, pending a bodily, in accordance with a number of sources briefed on the matter. The deal was first reported by ESPN. Right here’s what it is advisable know.
- Andrus, 34, hit .249/.303/.404 with 17 dwelling runs in 149 video games, however starred after being signed midseason by the White Sox, hitting 9 of his dwelling runs in 43 video games in Chicago.
- His tenure with the White Sox didn’t start till Aug. 19, after he was launched by the rebuilding A’s, and he was introduced on to spell an injured Tim Anderson.
- With Anderson wholesome and again because the beginning shortstop, Andrus is predicted to begin at second base, a transfer that he stated he was prepared to make a number of instances final season.
How does this match work?
On the tail finish of his torrid end to the 2022 season, Andrus instructed anybody who requested that he cherished his time with the White Sox and could be prepared to maneuver to second base to accommodate Anderson.
“All people is aware of the probabilities are open for me to return again subsequent 12 months,” Andrus stated in October. “If that’s the one choice I’ve, shifting from quick to a different place, I’d be very happy. For me, it’s about enjoying and, at this level in my profession, successful, being in a successful atmosphere.”
Since he had smacked 9 dwelling runs, slugged .464 and clearly reaffirmed himself defensively as a viable beginning shortstop in 43 video games on the South Aspect forward of coming into free company at age 34, it appeared principally like a pleasant sentiment earlier than Andrus discovered a possibility elsewhere. Andrus has by no means performed a significant league sport at a defensive place aside from shortstop
However with Andrus nonetheless searching for alternatives in mid-February, and the White Sox nonetheless needing veteran stability at second base, a one-year deal was sufficient to carry him to Chicago, the place he had been one of many group’s greatest gamers down the stretch final 12 months. Along with protection and power-hitting, Andrus’ infusion of sturdiness, deft baserunning and heady play stood out amid a tumultuous season on the South Aspect.
The White Sox had been prepared to show to 26-year-old Romy González, who had a 20-20 marketing campaign within the minors in 2021 and earned endorsements from members of Pedro Grifol’s teaching employees, who labored with him all through the offseason. Whereas possessing spectacular energy, González has struggled to a .241/.261/.350 line in 42 profession main league video games. Including Andrus places much less strain on a González breakout, and permits the Sox to deploy his versatility across the diamond in the event that they select.
What could be anticipated from Andrus?
Andrus’ large end to 2022 was sufficient to provide him simply the third above-average offensive season out of his 14 profession years within the majors. Over his earlier 4 seasons, Andrus hit a mixed .255/.302/.360 in Texas and Oakland. It’s tempting to jot down off his time with the White Sox final 12 months as a veteran participant happening a heater, motivated by his first alternative to play with the postseason on the road in years.
Nonetheless, a part of the rationale Andrus was so upbeat about his time in Chicago was that he felt he had regained his energy stroke for the primary time since fracturing his proper elbow when he was hit by a pitch in April of 2018. Earlier than that harm, Andrus posted the 2 different above-average offensive seasons of his profession in 2016 and 2017, and believed on the finish of 2022 that he had re-claimed that swing that led to his most success on the plate.
“Since I obtained harm and broke my arm, it’s been a continuing combat with my method and my swing and simply attempting to really feel like I’m proper now,” Andrus stated on the final day of the 2022 season. “It took me just a few years of accidents and simply getting used to my physique. However I really feel like since I obtained right here I’ve been capable of make the required changes and that method is sort of get again to drive the ball.”
Offense is the massive query mark, as a result of the supplementary components of Andrus’ sport appeared nonetheless sturdy. His defensive metrics have remained above-average into his 30s, suggesting he ought to have the ability to deal with the bodily calls for of a second base place that now requires extra vary as a result of shifting restrictions. Andrus typically confirmed an innate really feel of when to take a second to settle down struggling pitchers, or present perception to teammates. And regardless of not being one of many quickest gamers within the league, Andrus was an ideal 11-for-11 stealing bases for the White Sox final 12 months.
Andrus is at an age and profession workload the place it’s at all times a query whether or not he can preserve a profile constructed round protection, quickness and know-how. However the end-of-season look he gave the White Sox urged he had one thing left within the tank. Fittingly, the Sox are the group that took probably the most discover.
“Subsequent 12 months goes to be a tremendous 12 months, I consider so,” Andrus stated.
Required studying
- White Sox notes: 2023 motivation, World Baseball Classic plans and the bullpen
- White Sox spring training: Biggest questions facing the team in 2023
(Photograph: Orlando Ramirez / USA Right now)
