Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) – The Chicago White Sox officially announced
Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms with veteran first baseman Adam
LaRoche on a two-year, $25 million contract.
LaRoche, who will earn $12 million next season and $13 million in 2016,
provides the White Sox with one of general manager Rick Hahn’s top offseason
priorities — a left-handed power bat to complement 2014 American League
Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu in the heart of the lineup.
The 35-year-old is coming off a ninth season in the last 10 years with at
least 20 home runs, swatting 26 along with 92 RBI while batting .259 with the
Washington Nationals in 2014.
LaRoche is also well-regarded for his defensive work, having won an NL Gold
Glove in 2012 and being named as a finalist for the award this past year. His
addition will allow the White Sox to shift Abreu between first base and
designated hitter in the lineup.
“Adam’s signing addresses several important needs for our club heading into
the 2015 season,” said Hahn. “He provides a proven left-handed bat in the
middle of our lineup, brings a valuable mix of the ability to get on base and
power, and he is a veteran leader on the field and in the clubhouse.”
LaRoche has been a part of four teams that have reached the playoffs over the
course of his 11-year major league career, including the NL East-winning
Nationals in 2014.
A 2012 NL Silver Slugger recipient while with Washington, LaRoche owns a
career .264 average with 264 homers and 838 RBI over 1,478 games with Atlanta,
Pittsburgh, Boston, Arizona and the Nationals.
To create a spot for LaRoche on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated
pitcher Scott Carroll for assignment.
Carroll broke into the majors as a 29-year-old rookie this past season to make
19 starts for Chicago. The right-hander went 5-10 with a 4.80 ERA over 26
overall appearances with the White Sox.
