The White Sox placed Gold Glove second baseman Yolmer Sanchez on waivers Monday. Financial considerations were at play, with Sanchez projected to earn $6.2 million in the arbitration process.
Despite his capable defense at three infield positions, the Sox were not expected to tender a contract to the 27-year-old switch hitter who batted .252/.318/.321 in 2019. Second baseman Nick Madrigal, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2018, is the projected heir apparent at second base, and the Sox have infielder-outfielder Leury Garcia and possibly rookie utility infielder Danny Mendick to man second base if Madrigal doesn’t break camp with the team coming out of spring training.
“In the end it comes down to pricing,” general manager Rick Hahn said at the GM Meetings this month.
“Ultimately, we have to decide is the arbitration number going to be worth what kind of production we expect to get from him going forward versus the production we can get potentially from some others.”
Sanchez is known for his upbeat, sometimes noisy presence in the clubhouse and pranks — he once dumped a Gatorade cooler on himself after a Sox walkoff victory.
“[With] certain guys, it’s tough,” Hahn said. “Yolmer is a good dude and you like having him around.”
In six seasons with the Sox, Sanchez owns a .244/.299/.357 hitting line. He was signed by the Sox in 2009 and has played his entire career in the organization.
The Sox also outrighted outfielder Daniel Palka to Class AAA Charlotte after he cleared waivers. Palka, who led the Sox with 27 homers as a rookie in 2018 but struggled mightily in 2019, was designated for assignment last week.
Sanchez’ departure clears a spot on the 40-man roster, bringing the Sox’ number to 39. The Sanchez move was first reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
