‘Easy decision’ for Elvis Andrus
Veteran happy to rejoin White Sox, move to 2nd base
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Elvis Andrus had options during free agency.
“But for me at this point, I just want to be in an environment that wants me,” Andrus said.
The 34-year-old infielder is officially back with the Chicago White Sox on a one-year, $3 million deal announced. The move was first reported Sunday.
“Toward the end I (had) other options, but it was kind of easy for me to choose going back here,” Andrus said. “It’s where I feel comfortable, and I can give 100% toward having a great season.”
He joined the Sox in August to fill in for injured shortstop Tim Anderson. Now he’s “very likely” to be the team’s starting second baseman, general manager Rick Hahn said.
“Everyone saw what he was capable of doing on the field over his stretch of time with us, which obviously was extremely productive,” Hahn said. “What many people who weren’t close to the team may well have missed was the impact he had in our clubhouse.
“He is a tremendous role model for our young players. His work ethic, his professionalism, the way he plays the game are all great benefits to that club. Very happy to have him back.”
In Monday’s corresponding move, the Sox designated pitcher Bennett Sousa for assignment.
A shortstop his entire big-league career, Andrus will shift to a position he never has played in the majors.
“I don’t think it’s going to be such a big challenge for me. It’s just putting in the work,” Andrus said. “The ABCs of playing second is pretty much the same, but kind of different angles for a few plays.
“I like it so far. I was able to practice a little in the offseason at home ... working on the angles. We have a tremendous team and coaching staff here that I can keep working (with) and put in the reps.”
Andrus noted that previously with shifts, he would spend some time on the second-base side of the bag.
“At some point you do have to have a little bit of faith in a guy’s athleticism and his work ethic,” Hahn said. “With the change in the shift rules, having someone with range and a strong arm and good instincts is going to be of added benefit in the middle infield.
“We think Elvis profiles that way. Certainly going to be no doubt that he’s going to put the work in to make himself as good as possible at that position.”
Andrus had a .249/.303/.404 slash line with 32 doubles, 17 home runs, 58 RBIs, 66 runs and 18 stolen bases in 149 combined games with the Oakland Athletics (106) and Sox (43) last season.
“He came in and he was a big spark for us,” outfielder Gavin Sheets said. “Obviously when you lose a player like Tim Anderson, it hurts the clubhouse and hurts the team. He came in and didn’t skip a beat and played really, really well last year.
“It’s going to help us to bring in another veteran guy that can help us win a championship. I’m excited for it. I know he’s excited to be here. He said he found something last year, so excited to see him get to work.”
Andrus slashed .271/.309/.464 with nine home runs, 28 RBIs and 11 stolen bases after signing with the Sox on Aug. 19.
“The joy that I had for a month, I wanted to be able to stretch that feeling to six, seven, eight months,” Andrus said. “It was an easy decision toward the end for me to come back.”
Hahn said the deal evolved over time.
“There was interest from the start in bringing him back,” Hahn said. “He knew we wanted him. He knew TA was going to be the everyday shortstop, and this was his first opportunity of his career to test free agency. He wanted to see what was available to him.
“Ultimately, he had options to go elsewhere. But I think he felt very comfortable here and liked the idea of playing with this group and playing for a team with very high expectations.”