The White Sox have positioned infielder Nicky Lopez on waivers, studies Kiley McDaniel of ESPN on X. There hasn’t been something to recommend he has been designated for project, so he stays on the roster and might proceed to play for the membership whereas the waiver course of performs out. Nonetheless, the waivers are irrevocable, so he shall be altering jerseys if somebody does put in a declare.
Gamers claimed previous to September 1 are playoff-eligible for his or her new membership. Groups out of competition shall be putting gamers on waivers now within the hopes that another person will put in a declare and due to this fact tackle the rest of the participant’s contract, whereas giving the participant the prospect to play extra significant video games. Gamers like Michael A. Taylor of the Pirates, Drew Smyly of the Cubs, Tommy Pham of the Cardinals and others have reportedly been made accessible this month.
The White Sox are the group within the majors furthest from competition. Their 31-104 report interprets to a .230 successful share, placing them within the working to complete as one of many worst golf equipment within the fashionable period.
Lopez, 29, came to visit to the membership as a part of the November commerce that despatched left-hander Aaron Bummer to Atlanta. He has usually served as a light-hitting utility man in his profession and that has continued throughout his time on the South Facet. He has a line of .238/.310/.290 this yr, which results in a wRC+ of 73. That’s roughly consistent with his profession line of .247/.311/.314, which additionally results in a wRC+ of 73.
On protection, he’s able to taking part in all 4 infield positions and has additionally seen a while in left subject. His grades have been sturdy in every single place he’s performed. Oddly, he has -10 Defensive Runs Saved in simply 281 2/3 shortstop innings this yr, however that feels anomalous since he has been roughly league common in about 2,000 innings aside from that. Outs Above Common has given him a large +34 rating at quick in his profession, which additionally feels odd since that’s principally attributable to an enormous +25 grade in 2021, however he’s nonetheless higher than par when ignoring that.
The Sox can retain him for subsequent yr through arbitration however they’re seemingly leaning in direction of a non-tender at this level. He’s making $4.3MM this yr and can be due a increase, because the arbitration system successfully at all times pushes salaries northward. That’s some huge cash for a task participant when the newest offseason noticed guys like Enrique Hernández, Adam Duvall, Randal Grichuk, Amed Rosario, Paul DeJong and the aforementioned Taylor signal for $4MM or much less.
There’s roughly $700K remaining to be paid on Lopez’s wage this yr. If any contender feels particularly in want of a glove-first improve to their place participant combine, they will seize Lopez off the wire. The precedence goes in reverse order of standings, however groups exterior of competition received’t have motivation to seize him.
