White Sox Decline Club Option on Star Shortstop Tim Anderson

The veteran slugger’s lengthy tenure in Chicago could be coming to close following the club’s announcement on Saturday.

Longtime White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson’s days in Chicago appear to be coming to an end following the club’s latest announcement regarding the star’s contract.

Anderson, who’s been with the White Sox since his MLB debut in 2016, will test the free agent waters this offseason after the team declined to pick up his $14 million club option for the 2024 season, Chicago announced Saturday.

The surprising decision will net the eight-year veteran a $1 million buyout, as he prepares to hit free agency for the first time in his career.

After earning All-Star nods in 2021 and ’22, Anderson turned in a lackluster ’23 campaign, slashing .245/286/296 (121-for-493)  with a career-worst one home run, 18 doubles, 25 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 123 games.

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson will hit free agency after the team declined to pick up his $14 million club option / Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

The 30-year-old also dealt with some mid-season controversy after squabbling with the Guardians’ José Ramírez in August, an embarrassing skirmish that resulted in a six-game suspension that was later reduced to five games.

Drafted with the 17th pick in 2013, Anderson will now look to continue his career elsewhere following a standout run in the Windy City. Across his eight seasons, Anderson recorded a career .282 average with 98 HR and 338 RBI, earning an AL batting title with a league-best .335 average in 2019 and an AL Silver Slugger Award in 2020.