Report: White Sox Sign 1B Adam LaRoche
By Bruce Levine-
(CBS) The White Sox have made a major offseason move, adding the left-handed power that they so coveted.
Chicago has signed first baseman Adam LaRoche to a two-year, $25-million deal, USA Today reported Friday evening.
The 35-year-old LaRoche hit .259 with 26 homers and 92 RBIs for the Nationals last season. He had a .362 on-base percentage and a .455 slugging percentage.
For his career, LaRoche is a .264 hitter with an .811 OPS. He's played in at least 140 games each of the past three seasons.
The White Sox have Jose Abreu entrenched at first base, but LaRoche's signing gives them the flexibility to fill the designated hitter's slot and give Abreu more rest defensively. Abreu's ankles and legs caused him discomfort for much of last season. LaRoche is also a former Gold Glove winner, so there's ample draw to use him at first base.
Chicago may continue to pursue more left-handed pop in the form of Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero, as the Arizona Republic reported that both the White Sox and Cubs were kicking the tires on his availability.
The White Sox's roster is currently at 40 players, so someone will have to be designated for assignment or traded before the team announces the move.