The Chicago White Sox have signed outfielder Derek Hill to a one-year split contract while non-tendering outfielder Mike Tauchman, first baseman Tim Elko and pitcher Cam Booser. These moves occurred on Friday and adjust the team's 40-man roster to 34 players. Hill, recently claimed off waivers, brings strong defensive skills to the outfield.
The Chicago White Sox made key roster decisions on Friday, retaining speedy outfielder Derek Hill on a one-year split contract worth $900,000 in the majors or $450,000 in the minors. Hill, who was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins on September 24, had played parts of six seasons across the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants and Marlins. In 57 games split between Miami and Chicago this season, he batted .216 with a .281 on-base percentage and .328 slugging percentage. His defensive contributions stood out, with 5 Outs Above Average in center field per Statcast metrics, leading to a career-best 1.1 bWAR. Hill also boasts a 99th percentile sprint speed, highlighting his value on the bases.
The team non-tendered three players, making them free agents. Outfielder Mike Tauchman, who signed a one-year, $1.95 million deal with Chicago last December after two seasons with the Cubs, hit .263/.356/.400 over 93 games. He recorded 17 doubles, nine home runs, 40 RBIs and a 1.9 bWAR. First baseman Tim Elko, a former 10th-round draft pick by the White Sox, appeared in 23 major league games, batting .167 (9-for-67) with four home runs and eight RBIs. His first MLB homer was a go-ahead three-run shot off Miami's Sandy Alcantara on May 11. The 26-year-old Elko underwent surgery last month to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Left-hander Cam Booser, acquired from the Boston Red Sox last winter, pitched in 39 games across four stints, striking out 35 over 31 innings with eight holds, one save, a 2-4 record and 5.52 ERA. These transactions reduce the White Sox's 40-man roster to 34 players as the team prepares for the offseason.