White Sox Finally Fill Their Second Base Void, Re-Signing Elvis Andrus

February 20, 2023, by Brett Taylor Chicago Cubs

If you had wondered about Nick Madrigal going back to the White Sox to fill their huge void at second base, you can stop wondering.

The White Sox are bringing back Elvis Andrus up the middle:

Infielder Elvis Andrus and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a one-year deal, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Andrus, who filled in at shortstop when Tim Anderson was injured last year, is expected to play second base for the White Sox.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 19, 2023

The Chicago #WhiteSox get their second baseman.
They have signed infielder Elvis Andrus to a one-year, $3 million contract.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 19, 2023

Andrus, 34, became as famous for the huge Rangers contract that followed him as he was for his on-field play. But after four straight seasons of being truly awful, Andrus had something of a renaissance in 2022, hitting .249/.303/.404/105 wRC+ and playing sufficiently strong defense at shortstop that he was worth 3.5 WAR. He raked down the stretch with the White Sox when he replaced an injured Tim Anderson, and now he returns to a place where he was obviously comfortable.

Andrus figures to be a solid defense second baseman, too, so this a clear upgrade for the White Sox on the cheap.

To be sure, I didn’t think a Madrigal reunion was ever likely, but since the White Sox were one of the second-base-neediest teams out there, it was at least worth paying attention to.

Filed to: Chicago Cubs