White Sox outfielder AJ Pollock had a choice this week. He could do one of two things:
1. Exercise his player option and make $13 million as a member of the Sox in 2023, or
2. Accept a $5 million buyout from the Sox and elect free agency.
Given that Pollock had a down season in 2022 -- he batted .242/.292/.389 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs -- and given that he's entering his age-35 season, I expected Pollock to take the sure money on the table.
Surprise!
He declined the option, in a move that may cost him financially. He would need to get at least $8 million on the free agent market to equal the contract he could have had with the Sox. I wouldn't expect that to happen.
But hey, that's his problem. The Sox certainly will not be among his suitors. After Pollock's disappointing season, the team is almost certainly happy to move on, and to have that extra $8 million available to spend on someone else.
The question is, can they find a legitimate corner outfielder who can help in 2023?
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