What does Elvis Andrus bring to the Chicago White Sox and could he be around next year?

Photo courtesy of Tony Gutierrez/AP

Last week, the Oakland Athletics made a very surprising roster decision by releasing veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus. If Andrus reached 550 plate appearances this season a $15 million vesting option would have been exercised for next season, so Oakland did not want to pay him that amount with the organization in teardown mode.

Tim Anderson, the All-Star shortstop for the Chicago White Sox, recently got injured and will be out for a few weeks. With the team chasing a division title, Andrus was the best option other than minor leaguers to play shortstop. Rookie infielder Lenyn Sosa looked overmatched at the plate and veteran utilityman Leury Garcia hasn’t hit well for the whole season, so Andrus should provide stability in Anderson’s absence for a few weeks.

So far with the White Sox, Andrus has only hit .172 in seven games with 29 total at-bats. He shouldn’t be expected to hit like an All-Star, but getting his batting average to .250 or so would look better for the major league experience he has. His defense will be more than serviceable given the amount of reps he’s gotten in game situations. When Anderson comes back, Andrus will likely be the primary backup. However, there will be an interesting roster decision to make next year.

Whenever this season ends, Andrus likely won’t have 550 plate appearances, thus becoming a free agent. The White Sox would likely be interested in bringing him back on a short-term deal with a low salary since he wouldn’t be starting at shortstop. However, Andrus may be more interested on going to a team that can guarantee him more playing time at his natural position. There may be a path for Andrus to start at second base in Chicago next year if he is willing to change positions. Veteran infielder Josh Harrison has been the White Sox second basemen this season, but he may not be brought back in 2023.

Regardless of whatever happens with him in the offseason, Andrus was a good signing for where the White Sox are at now. He’ll try to help the team overcome the Cleveland Guardians and win back-to-back Central Division titles in the middle of a competitive window.