White Sox sign veteran Latos to 1-year deal
The Chicago White Sox bolstered their pitching depth Tuesday by adding another veteran arm to their staff, agreeing to terms with right-hander Mat Latos on a one-year, $3-million deal.
The White Sox are the sixth team for Latos in his seven-year career, after spending three seasons apiece with the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds, before suiting up for the Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels in 2015.
Latos, 28, began last season with Miami, pitching to a 4.48 ERA with eight strikeouts per nine innings over 16 starts before going to the Dodgers in a three-team trade that also involved the Atlanta Braves. He pitched in just six games for the Dodgers, including the first relief appearance of his career, prior to his release. He then signed with the Angels for the final week of the season, and appeared in another two games out of the bullpen.
"Mat adds another quality veteran arm to our rotation and also increases our overall pitching depth, which always is essential to having a successful season," general manager Rick Hahn said. "While we believe in the futures of our young starters, the chance to add a pitcher of Mat's caliber was too good of an opportunity for us to pass up."
Latos helps fill the void in the White Sox rotation left by the departure of Jeff Samardzija, and provides Chicago with another right-handed arm to flank alongside its trio of talented lefties.
| Pitcher | 2015 IP | K/9 | ERA | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Sale | 208.2 | 11.82 | 3.41 | 6.2 |
| Jose Quintana | 206.1 | 7.72 | 3.36 | 4.8 |
| Carlos Rodon | 139.1 | 8.98 | 3.75 | 2.1 |
| John Danks | 177.2 | 6.28 | 4.71 | 1.8 |
| Mat Latos | 116.1 | 7.74 | 4.95 | 1.5 |
Selected by the Padres in the 14th round of the 2006 draft, Latos produced his best work during those three years in San Diego, managing a 3.37 ERA and 23.5 percent strikeout rate over 72 starts with the team.
Chicago's busy offseason has also included moves to acquire infielders Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie, as well as catchers Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro.