With Alexei Ramirez‘s departure for San Diego, the White Sox were left with a gaping hole at shortstop. As of today, the White Sox have found a temporary solution to that problem. Chicago has signed veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Infielder and former NL MVP, Jimmy Rollins, agrees to terms with White Sox on a minor league contract. pic.twitter.com/9AnL18vajU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 22, 2016
With star prospect Tim Anderson only in Double-A, the White Sox needed a short-term answer to the shortstop question at the big league level. The 37 year-old Rollins will not only keep the seat warm for Anderson, but will provide the White Sox with a tremendous amount of veteran leadership. In 16 years in the Major Leagues, Rollins has accumulated three all-star selections, four Gold Gloves, the 2007 National League MVP Award, and a World Series ring.
Alexei Ramirez last year: .285 OBP, .357 SLG
Jimmy Rollins last year: .285 OBP, .358 SLGWhite Sox declined Ramirez’s $10 million option.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 22, 2016
Rollins has spent the majority of his career as the face of the Philadelphia Phillies, playing 15 seasons with the Phils’. Prior to the 2015, Rollins was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for two minor leaguers. With a career slash line .265/.325/.420, White Sox fans can hope that Rollins is the final ingredient building a contender on Chicago’s South Side.
#Whitesox announce the Jimmy Rollins signing. “We envision Jimmy contributing both on and off the field,” says GM Rick Hahn.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 22, 2016
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