A.J. Pierzynski will be 36 years old in December, but he's coming off his best power season and one of the top offensive years of his career. He's set to become a free agent after the World Series and CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman suggests the veteran catcher could get a two-year deal worth $16 million.
Pierzynski started 121 games behind the dish this season and would be an attractive free agent to other clubs, possibly including the New York Yankeesand Texas Rangers. The Sox should have plenty of financial flexibility to retain Pierzynski, but whether or not they are keen on spending what it takes to get him in the fold remains to be seen.
The White Sox have others holes to address, too, and may need the payroll flexibility. Tyler Flowers and Hector Gimenez are the only other two catchers on the Sox's 40-man roster and Josh Phegley is the only prospect close enough to the majors to be of any help in 2013. If Pierzynski signs elsewhere, new GM Rick Hahn and president Ken Williams are likely to seek help at the position over the winter. We discussed how thin that market is, trade or free agent, last month.
No comments:
Post a Comment