The White Sox declined their $14 million club option on shortstop Tim Anderson for the 2024 season ($1 million buyout), likely ending a one-time face-of-the franchise batting champion’s career on the South Side.
Anderson, 30, a two-time All-Star and the major leagues batting leader with a .335 average in 2019, now becomes a free agent coming off his worst season. Anderson batted .245/.286/.296 with only one home run, 25 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 123 games last season, his eighth with the Sox.
The Sox’ first-round pick in the 2013 draft owns a career batting line of .282/.312/.422. He was selected to AL All-Star teams in 2021 and ‘22 and won the Silver Slugger Award in 2020, posting offensive numbers that outweighed inconsistent and at times unsteady defensive performances over the years.
A left knee sprain suffered in Minnesota in April halted Anderson’s good start, and may have affected his hitting through the season. His loss of power was staggering. He hit 82 home runs between 2017-21 but only seven the last two seasons, although he was limited to 79 games last season due to injuries.
At one time a popular, bat-flipping leadoff man and energizer, Anderson dealt with publicized family problems this year, was knocked down in an embarrassing fight with Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez and became a shell of himself while the Sox posted a 61-101 record. He was more quiet on the field and in the clubhouse than usual.
Top shortstop prospect Colson Montgomery, a 2021 first-round pick, may not be ready coming out of spring training but could be by mid season. Anderson played second base in the World Baseball Classic last spring and was open to moving there next season, but the Sox apparently didn’t see that as an option.
The only shortstops on the 40-man roster, now at 35 players, are Zach Remillard and Lenyn Sosa, so Anderson’s departure would add to the Sox’ long list of needs to fill this off-season.
Anderson signed a six-year, $25 million extension before the 2017 season, including club options for 2023 and 2024.
“From the 2019 batting title to the Field of Dreams walk-off and many more memories, your impact on this city is unforgettable,” the Sox posted on social media. “Thank you for everything, TA.”
