MLB Payroll Analysis and Offseason Preview: Chicago White Sox
By Joshua Mayer
Upcoming Free Agents
| Player | 2016 Salary ($) | WAR | Stats |
| OF Austin Jackson | 5 M | -0.1 | .254/.318/.343, 24 R |
| C Alex Avila | 2.5 M | 1.1 | .213/.359/.373, 7 HR |
| RP Matt Albers* | 2 M | -0.8 | 58 G, 6.31 ERA |
| 1B Justin Morneau | 1 M | 0 | .261/.303/.429, 25 RBI |
| Totals | 10.5 M | 0.2 | – |
*Has $3 million team option for 2017, unlikely to be exercised.
Austin Jackson: After a successful four year stint to start his career with the Tigers, where he slashed .278/.344/.416 with 38 triples and 42 home runs, Jackson has struggled while bouncing around from the Mariners to the Cubs and then to the Sox. The 29-year-old could still have many good years ahead of him, but his .260/.311/.361 slash since 2014 is far from promising. Expect the Sox to have no interest in bringing the outfielder back.
Alex Avila: Another former Tiger with a solid run as a starter in the early 2010’s, Avila came to the Sox and has produced as the team’s best catcher, though in a small sample. His .732 OPS in 2016 was just below his career mark entering the season of .742. As a strong defender, 0.3 dWAR, Avila could be brought back with a one year deal worth about $3 million.
Matt Albers: Coming off an unbelievable 2015, Albers looked like a shoe-in to have his 2017 option picked up. Instead, the righty has seen high numbers fall down a cliff, and the 33-year-old will most likely not be back next year. Expect Albers to sign a minor league deal elsewhere.
Justin Morneau: The Sox gave the former MVP a very modest deal back when they still had playoff aspirations. He hit okay, about league average (100 OPS+), in 200 AB. As a hitter no longer capable of playing the field, Morneau needed a better showing to secure another contract.