The Chicago White Sox announced they have declined the $14 million 2024 club option on shortstop Tim Anderson. Anderson’s Chicago career peaked when he hit a walk-off home run against the New York Yankees in the 2021 Field of Dreams game. His career hit rock bottom when he lost an on-field physical altercation with Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman Jose Ramirez in August 2023.
Anderson’s career was a world-record roller coaster in Chicago, and it comes to an end after eight seasons with the Southsiders.
At his peak, from 2019-2021, Anderson was one of the best shortstops in the American League. He earned All-Star appearances in 2021 and 2022, and finished 7th in MVP voting during the COVID-19-shortened season.
Anderson’s play helped the White Sox break a 12-season postseason drought in 2020. The team made two playoff appearances during his tenure (2020, 2021), but the team lost both series.
Anderson’s best season occurred in 2019, despite not making that season’s All-Star Game. He led the American League in batting average (.335), and hit 17 home runs — the second-most in a season during his eight-year big league career.
Anderson’s quick downfall became apparent during his 2022 campaign, when his bat lost its power. Anderson posted five consecutive double-digit home run seasons from 2017-2021. He made 875 plate appearances during the 2022-23 seasons, but only totaled seven home runs.
His final season in Chicago was by far the most disappointing. Anderson put up career lows in home runs (1), slugging percentage (.296) and OPS (.582). Anderson became one of MLB’s worst hitters two seasons from his first career All-Star appearance.
With the White Sox declining the club option for Tim Anderson, who’s up next at shortstop?
The White Sox’s No. 1 prospect Colson Montgomery should be the next guy at shortstop. The real question is when will he jump up to the big leagues?
Montgomery missed the first two months of the MiLB season due to a back injury. Once he returned to the field, the 21-year-old dominated three levels of the minor leagues. The White Sox sent Montgomery to compete in the Arizona Fall League to gain more experience and enhance his development.
Montgomery is the top-ranked minor leaguer competing at the AZFL — where many of MLB’s future stars compete following the regular season. Paul Konerko, Derek Jeter and Mike Piazza are part of the league’s rich talent history.
Montgomery’s early-season big league availability will be a storyline to watch for the 2024 White Sox. The Southsiders’ future infield general should make his MLB debut in the first few months of the season.
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