MLB rumors: A.J. Pierzynski could still re-sign with White Sox

The Chicago White Sox continue to discuss a potential return with catcher A.J. Pierzynski, sources have confirmed to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago.

The club has a potential in-house replacement for Pierzynski in Tyler Flowers, and the New York Yankees are interested in Pierzynski, but the two sides are still talking about a return to the South Side.

The catcher had one of his best seasons last year, slugging a career-high 27 home runs and posting his second-best WAR value of his career. Pierzynski made $6 million last season, and expects to ink a market-value deal. Mike Napoli has already signed a three-year $39 million deal, while the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Russell Martin to a two-year, $17 million contract.

Pierzynski has spent the last eight seasons in Chicago, and is respected in the clubhouse. He is also a left-handed bat in a lineup that currently only has Alejandro De Aza and Adam Dunn as left-handed hitting starters.