GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Elvis Andrus is joining the Chicago White Sox, stepping into the team’s opening at second base.
Andrus finalized a $3 million, one-year contract on Monday. The two-time All-Star has played shortstop for his entire big league career, but he is going to move over to second in his return to Chicago.
“With the change in the shift rules, having someone with range and a strong arm and good instincts is going to be of added benefit in the middle infield. We think Elvis profiles that way,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “Certainly going to be no doubt that he’s going to put the work in to make himself as good as possible at that position and look forward to get starting today.”
To make room on the roster, left-hander Bennett Sousa was designated for assignment. Sousa went 3-0 with an 8.41 ERA in 25 appearances with the White Sox last year.
The 34-year-old Andrus finished last season with Chicago, hitting .271 with nine homers and 28 RBIs in 43 games after he was cut by Oakland.
He was signed by the White Sox after Tim Anderson had surgery for a torn ligament in his left middle finger, but the All-Star shortstop is healthy again.
Andrus “was a big spark for us,” outfielder Gavin Sheets said. “Obviously when you lose a player like Tim Anderson, it hurts the clubhouse and hurts the team. He came in and didn’t skip a beat and played really, really well last year. It’s going to help us to bring in another veteran guy that can help us win a championship.”
Andrus is a .270 hitter with 96 homers, 731 RBIs and 335 steals in 14 years in the majors. The two-time All-Star broke into the big leagues with Texas in 2009 and played for the Rangers for 12 seasons before he was traded to Oakland in February 2021.
Andrus’ contract includes a $1 million assignment bonus if he is traded. He has never played second in a major league game.
Romy Gonzalez had been in the mix at second, and Hahn said he is going to move around the infield and play the corner outfield spots.
“Very confident Romy is going to help us win ballgames in Chicago in some capacity over the course of this season,” Hahn said.
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