White Sox sign three-time All-Star Jimmy Rollins to minor-league deal

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with three-time All-Star shortstop Jimmy Rollins, as first reported by Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago.

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Rollins will join the Sox on a minor-league deal with an invite to camp.

Rollins isn’t a huge splash, but he can provide a veteran presence for the Sox. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Rollins isn’t a huge splash, but he can provide a veteran presence for the Sox. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sox were in the market for a shortstop ever since the departure of longtime South Sider Alexei Ramirez, now in San Diego, earlier this offseason. Rollins, 37, spent 15 years with the Philadelphia Phillies before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015. Last season, he hit .224 over 144 games with 13 home runs and 41 RBI.

This is an under-the-radar signing by the Sox for a couple of reasons. First, if Tyler Saladino doesn’t pan out early on, Rollins can step into a starting role and tide the Sox over until top prospect Tim Anderson is ready to make the jump to the majors.

Secondly, if nothing else, Rollins provides a veteran presence at a position of weakness for the Sox and Saladino and Anderson can learn a thing or two from him.

The White Sox open up spring training play on March 3 against the Dodgers.