White Sox Sign Gordon Beckham To 1-Year, $2M Deal
(CBS) The White Sox have signed infielder Gordon Beckham to a one-year, $2-million deal, they announced Wednesday afternoon.
Beckham spent his first six big league seasons in Chicago before being dealt last August to the Los Angeles Angels before the waiver trade deadline. That deal came after he'd struggled mightily for the White Sox, hitting .221 with seven homers, 36 RBIs and a paltry .598 OPS in 101 games. He hit .268 with a .756 OPS in 26 games with the Angels.
Beckham, 28, entered the White Sox organization with high expectations, having been the eighth overall pick in the 2008 amateur draft. He's a career .245 hitter.
He most often played second base for the White Sox but also has plenty of experience at third base and shortstop. Beckham owns the second- and third-highest fielding percentages by a second baseman in White Sox history.
He'll likely fill a utility role for Chicago, as youngsters Micah Johnson and Carlos Sanchez are expected to compete for the starting job at second base.
"Adding Gordon Beckham improves the depth and flexibility of our roster," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. "We are thrilled to have him back. Like Emilio Bonifacio, Gordon brings the ability to play solid defense at multiple positions or play on an everyday basis should the need arise. This also gives Robin (Ventura) the ability to play matchups more effectively when setting the lineup."
In a corresponding move, the White Sox designated outfielder Dayan Viciedo for assignment, which should signal the end of his Chicago tenure. Viciedo, 25, hit .231 with 21 homers and 58 RBIs in 145 games for Chicago last season.
The White Sox's 40-man roster now sits at 40.