‘Easy decision’ to rejoin for Elvis Andrus
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.”
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.