Chicago White Sox shopping Adam LaRoche

The Chicago White Sox are shopping first baseman Adam LaRoche, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. LaRoche is in the back end of a two-year, $25-million deal he signed with Chicago prior to last season.

The White Sox hope they can move LaRoche and some of his $13-million salary in order to free up cash and a spot in the lineup for another bat. The veteran struggled transitioning to designated hitter duties last year, hitting .207 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 127 games.

LaRoche has long been regarded as one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball, and could see improvement at the plate if he were to go somewhere he can play first base every day. Clubs that deployed LaRoche in the field would also get far more bang for their buck, as a good portion of his value comes from his glove. The Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners and Astros could have varying levels of interest in the former Gold Glove Award winner.

Next: Washington Nationals To Sign Shawn Kelley

It’s unclear who the White Sox would proceed to target if they move LaRoche, though there are bats out there for the taking if Chicago is willing to spend. Ian Desmond could step in and provide big-time offensive production at shortstop, while David Freese would be an upgrade offensively at third base. If the White Sox are thinking even bigger, Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, and Chris Davis are all still out there for the taking. Mitch Moreland, Jay Bruce, Todd Frazier, Carlos Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez could all be available in trades as well if Chicago went that route.