CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and versatile Leury García have finalized a $16.5 million, three-year contract.
The deal announced Wednesday calls for the 30-year-old Garcia to earn $5.5 million each of the next three years. He helped the White Sox win the AL Central last season, batting .267 with five homers and a career-high 54 RBIs in 126 games. He made 33 starts at second base, 28 in right field, 22 in center field, 18 at shortstop, and eight each in left field and at third base.
Garcia debuted with the Texas Rangers in 2013 and has been with the White Sox since a trade that August.
“The White Sox, that is my home,” he said through an interpreter. “Just the way they have treated us, I feel very comfortable here. My family feels very comfortable with the organization, too. It was a no-brainer for us just to sign back here.”
The White Sox have an opening at second base after trading Nick Madrigal to the crosstown Cubs in the Craig Kimbrel deal in July, and García could get the job if the team isn’t able to bring in a better alternative.
“Having Leury around gives us all a little bit more peace of mind to be able to handle whatever situations arise next year,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “He’s proven his versatility. He’s proven his proficiency at a variety of different positions.”
Hahn said the White Sox also tendered contracts to pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López and outfielder Adam Engel on Tuesday night.
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