Tim Anderson, the former Chicago White Sox shortstop, is currently a free agent and has received an offer from the Miami Marlins to become their primary shortstop, according to Jon Morosi. However, Anderson has not yet accepted the offer. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale has provided some insights into why Anderson is still without a team and has not yet joined the Marlins.
Nightengale explained that Anderson and other free agents should have signed earlier, as teams are now claiming they do not have the financial resources to make big signings. The Marlins’ offer to Anderson is reportedly around $2 million, significantly less than the $14–$15 million he was making with the White Sox. Nightengale believes Anderson is seeking a salary closer to $10 million, and teams are waiting for the price to drop before making any moves.
Anderson, who is 30 years old, became a free agent in November when the White Sox declined his $14 million club option. He had spent his entire eight-year career with the White Sox and was a two-time All-Star (in 2021 and 2022) and a former batting champion (in 2019). However, his performance in 2023 was not up to his usual standards, as he struggled with a 60 OPS+ and a.245/.286/.296 slash line with just one home run. His slugging percentage was lower than his batting average from the previous year, when he hit.301 with a 109 OPS+.
Anderson also had issues defensively, with a -0.9 defensive WAR and a negative-1 outs above average. His most notable moment of the year was an on-field brawl with José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians in August, which resulted in a six-game suspension for Anderson.
Despite his struggles in 2023, Anderson is still a talented player and could be a valuable addition to any team. It remains to be seen whether he will accept the Marlins’ offer or if he will receive offers from other teams as well.
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