The Chicago White Sox signed Jimmy Rollins to a Minor-League contract with an non-roster invitation to spring training, the club announced Monday.
After spending 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and one with the Los Angeles Dodgers, this marks Rollins’ first foray into the American League. Los Angeles acquired Rollins with the idea he would serve as a stopgap until Corey Seager was prepared for a full-time role in the Majors.
The veteran shortstop played out the final year remaining on his contract, then became a free agent with little fanfare or suggestion he would re-sign with the Dodgers.
Rollins hit a deciding two-run home run on opening day of the 2015 season, but his highlights with the Dodgers were otherwise few and far between.
He batted in the first half and lost his spot as the club’s leadoff hitter to Joc pederson. Rollins then suffered a sprained right index finger, which created a window of opportunity for Seager, and spelled the end of playing time for Rollins.
Seager wound up assuming a starting role over the final month of the regular season and into the National League Division Series. Rollins finished the year batting .224/.285/.358 with 13 home runs, 41 RBIs and 12 stolen bases over 144 games played (128 starts).
While the 2007 NL MVP struggled on the field last season, he was lauded by former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly and teammates for his leadership and professionalism off it.
The 37-year-old Rollins figures to be in the thick of the conversation to win the starting shortstop job with the White Sox given their inexperience and limited depth at the position.
