February 22, 2016
Unlike former teammate Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins was one and done in Los Angeles. On Monday, the 37-year-old shortstop agreed to terms with the Chicago White Sox on a minor-league deal:
#WhiteSox have agreed to terms with infielder Jimmy Rollins on a minor-league deal w/ an invite to camp.
— Dan Hayes (@CSNHayes) February 22, 2016
Rick Hahn in press release on Jimmy Rollins deal: “We envision Jimmy contributing both on and off the field." #WhiteSox
— Dan Hayes (@CSNHayes) February 22, 2016
Jimmy Rollins would earn $2 million if he makes the club. #WhiteSox
— Dan Hayes (@CSNHayes) February 22, 2016
If Rollins was holding out for a major-league deal in free agency, he wasn’t getting one. He’s coming off the worst season of his career at the plate, one in which he hit .224/.285/.358. That said, Rollins’ last season in Philly was one of the best of his career offensively.
The good news for Rollins is that although he signed a minor-league deal, the White Sox have an opening at shortstop after declining Alexei Ramirez’ option in the offseason. It will be interesting to see how he does, because it’s difficult to picture Jimmy Rollins playing in the minors at this stage of his career.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
