The Chicago Tribune reports today that a dozen Chicago players have filed for free agency.
The White Sox have a major decision involving Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez; the Sox can either pick up their $10 million option on Ramirez, 34, or give him a $1 million buyout.
Ramirez, an eight-year veteran, repeatedly has said he wants to
stay with the Sox. But he struggled at the plate and in the field in the
first half before finishing with a career-worst .249 batting average,
10 home runs, 62 RBIs and a .285 on-base percentage.
Top prospect Tim Anderson is considered the shortstop of the future but some believe he needs more minor-league development.
The Cubs and Sox have until Friday night to tender
$15.8 million qualifying offers to their free agents, with Cubs center
fielder Dexter Fowler and Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija the likeliest to
receive an offer. Both players are expected to reject such an offer,
which would assure their teams of a compensation draft pick should they
sign elsewhere.
In addition to Fowler, Cubs relievers Fernando
Rodney, Trevor Cahill, Jason Motte and Tommy Hunter, outfielders Chris
Denorfia and Austin Jackson and starting pitcher Dan Haren (who
announced his retirement last month) filed for free agency.
Sox catcher Geovany Soto, infielder Gordon Beckham and reliever Matt Albers also filed.
In all likelihood, all of these players will not be back with their 2015 clubs.
