The Chicago White Sox made several notable roster decisions on Friday as they continued to reshape their organization ahead of the offseason. In one of their few retention moves, the team decided to keep speedy outfielder Derek Hill on a one-year agreement. At the same time, they chose not to tender contracts to three other players: outfielder Mike Tauchman, first baseman Tim Elko, and left-handed pitcher Cam Booser. These decisions marked another step in the club’s ongoing effort to refine its 40-man roster and evaluate which players fit its future plans.
Hill, who was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins on September 24, will return to the organization on a split contract for the upcoming season. According to a source familiar with the situation, Hill is set to earn $900,000 if he remains on the Major League roster.
If he is sent to the minor leagues at any point, his salary would decrease to $450,000. This type of contract provides the White Sox with flexibility while also rewarding Hill if he is able to stick at the big-league level.
This offseason marked the first time Hill was eligible for salary arbitration, having played parts of six seasons in Major League Baseball. Before arriving in Chicago, he had stints with several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, and most recently, the Marlins. Despite bouncing around the league, Hill has built a reputation as a strong defensive outfielder and an elite athlete, particularly when it comes to his speed and range.
Offensively, Hill’s numbers this past season were modest. Across 57 games split between Miami and Chicago, he posted a slash line of .216/.281/.328. While those batting figures are not eye-popping, they do not fully reflect his contributions on the field. Hill’s value was far more apparent on defense, especially in center field, where he made a significant impact.
According to Statcast, he registered five Outs Above Average, a metric that measures how many more outs a player records compared to an average defender at the same position. That strong defensive performance played a large role in elevating his total bWAR (Baseball-Reference Wins Above Replacement) to a career-best 1.1 in just those limited appearances.
Hill’s speed is another elite tool that sets him apart. He ranks in the 99th percentile in sprint speed, meaning he is one of the fastest players in all of baseball. That level of athleticism makes him a versatile option for Chicago, whether as a defensive replacement, a late-inning pinch runner, or a potential platoon outfielder. His quickness both in the outfield and on the basepaths gives the White Sox another layer of versatility and athleticism on their roster.
While Hill earned a return to the organization, the same could not be said for Mike Tauchman. The White Sox decided to non-tender the veteran outfielder, effectively making him a free agent. Tauchman had signed a one-year deal worth $1.95 million with Chicago last December after spending the previous two seasons with the Chicago Cubs. Initially, it appeared he might become a stable presence in the White Sox outfield, and at times, he delivered solid production.
Over the course of 93 games during the season, Tauchman recorded a .263 batting average, paired with a strong .356 on-base percentage and a .400 slugging percentage. He tallied 17 doubles, nine home runs, and drove in 40 runs. His bWAR for the season came in at 1.9, indicating that he provided above-average value relative to a replacement-level player. In many respects, those numbers suggest he was a productive contributor, especially for a team that struggled offensively at various points of the year.
However, baseball decisions are rarely made on statistics alone. Factors such as age, long-term upside, financial considerations, positional depth, and organizational direction likely played into the White Sox’s choice. By non-tendering Tauchman, the team frees up both a roster spot and financial flexibility as it continues to evaluate younger options and explore potential trades or free-agent targets.
Another player whom the Sox let go was first baseman Tim Elko. Elko, who was drafted by the organization in the 10th round, was given his first opportunity in the Major Leagues this past season. In 23 games, he struggled to find consistency at the plate, finishing with a .167 batting average after collecting nine hits in 67 at-bats. Still, he managed to hit four home runs and drive in eight runs during that limited sample size.
One of the most memorable moments of Elko’s short tenure came on May 11, when he launched his first career Major League home run. Not only was it his first long ball, but it also came in dramatic fashion — a go-ahead, three-run homer off Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. That swing briefly showcased the raw power potential that had made him an intriguing prospect in the first place.
Unfortunately, Elko’s season and future outlook were complicated by a serious injury. The 26-year-old underwent surgery last month to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. An injury of that magnitude not only ends a player’s current campaign but also casts uncertainty on his availability and performance going forward. Recovery from an ACL tear typically involves a lengthy rehabilitation process, which may have influenced the White Sox’s decision to move on from him at this time.
The final player non-tendered by Chicago was left-hander Cam Booser. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox last winter, Booser served as a bullpen option for the White Sox throughout the season. He made 39 appearances across four separate stints with the Major League club, indicating he was frequently moved between Chicago and the minors as the team managed its pitching depth.
In his 31 innings of work, Booser struck out 35 batters, showing an ability to miss bats. He recorded eight holds and even picked up a save, demonstrating that he was trusted in some late-inning situations. However, his overall performance was uneven. He finished with a 2-4 record and a 5.52 earned run average, numbers that suggest inconsistency and vulnerability in high-leverage moments. For a team trying to stabilize its pitching staff, Booser’s results were likely not strong enough to justify keeping him on the 40-man roster.
With Hill being retained and Tauchman, Elko, and Booser being removed, the White Sox’s 40-man roster now stands at 34 players. This number gives the front office additional maneuverability as it looks ahead to the rest of the offseason. The open spots allow Chicago to potentially add players through free agency, trades, waiver claims, or the Rule 5 Draft. It also creates room to protect prospects who might otherwise be exposed to other teams.
Overall, these moves reflect a broader organizational shift for the White Sox. Rather than holding onto every familiar name, the team appears to be prioritizing flexibility, athleticism, and upside. Derek Hill’s retention signals an interest in elite defense and speed, even if his offensive output remains limited. Meanwhile, parting ways with more established but less dynamic contributors such as Tauchman, as well as injured or inconsistent players like Elko and Booser, opens the door to experimentation and youth.
As Chicago continues to reshape its roster, these decisions could be viewed as small but important pieces of a larger puzzle. The franchise is clearly in a phase of evaluation and transition, looking to identify players who can be part of its next competitive core. Whether Hill can play a larger role in that future remains to be seen, but for now, he has earned another opportunity to prove his value on the South Side.
MORE MLB NEWS:
-
Breaking News: Giants Reportedly Cut Ties with Veteran Backstop
-
Padres risk losing another versatile player in latest update
-
Done Deal: Red Sox confirmed another solid addition after shaky season
-
Breaking News: Red Sox Explore Trade Market With Tigers’ Star Ace
-
Breaking: Mariners officially out of market for Cardinals utility player this offseason
-
Report: Giants to land $426 million Angels’ outfielder to pair with Willy Adames and Rafael Devers
-
Breaking News: Red Sox Cut Ties With $1.5 Million Biggest and Strongest Prospects Outfielder
Be the first to comment