White Sox, Beckham agree to 1-year, $2-million deal
Gordon Beckham's underwhelming tenure with the White Sox ended when he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in August, but the 28-year-old will get a chance in 2015 to reestablish himself in Chicago.
The White Sox agreed Wednesday to a one-year, $2-million deal with Beckham, who was selected eighth overall by Chicago in the 2008 draft.
Beckham enjoyed an auspicious start to his career with the White Sox, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2009 after hitting .270/.347/.460 with 14 home runs and 28 doubles over 103 games.
The Georgia native struggled in recent years, however, to replicate the success he enjoyed in his rookie campaign. Over the last five seasons, Beckham managed a meager 80 OPS+ while managing a mere 2.8 wins above replacement over 662 contests.
Beckham, though, saw time at second base, shortstop and third base last season, and will likely receive regular playing time with the White Sox after the club traded infielder Marcus Semien to the Oakland Athletics earlier this offseason.
In a corresponding move, the White Sox designated outfielder Dayan Viciedo for assignment to create a spot for Beckham on the 40-man roster.