CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox agreed to a one-year, $4.4 million contract with outfielder Dayan Viciedo, avoiding arbitration.
The left fielder performed well under expectations this past season, batting .231 with a .405 slugging percentage, both of which were well under his career averages of .254 and .424. He hit 21 home runs with 58 RBIs while striking out 122 times compared to 121 hits.
With a revamped roster, Viciedo does not figure to be anything more than a backup, if he even makes the Opening Day roster. The White Sox signed free agent Melky Cabrera this offseason to take over in left field.
There has been reported trade interest in Viciedo this offseason, but a return on a trade figures to be minimal, even with right-handed power at a premium. In addition to his declining offense, Viciedo is considered a liability on defense.
Viciedo, who made $2.8 million in 2014, remains arbitration-eligible through the 2017 season.
The White Sox now have five arbitration-eligible players remaining: right-handers Jeff Samardzija, Hector Noesi, Nate Jones and Javy Guerra, as well as catcher Tyler Flowers.
