The Baseball season just ended 48 hours ago, but offseason work has already begun. Players can now begin declaring for free agency. Each team does have exclusive rights to talk to their own free agents between now and 11:00 Wednesday evening. If the teams do not re-sign their players by the deadline, all other teams are then allowed to make offers.
Mark Buehrle headlines the list of White Sox who filed on Sunday. Buehrle has spent his entire career with the Sox, but this is the first time he is eligible for free agency. Although Buehrle hasn't ruled out returning to the South Side, he will likely test free agency to see just how bad he is wanted.
Other White Sox who filed Sunday included Juan Pierre, Omar Vizquel, and Ramon Castro. That list could increase by one if the Sox decline the option on pitcher Jason Frasor.
Carlos Pena was one of the Cubs that filed on Sunday. Pena would like to return to the Cubs if he can get a multi-year deal. It will be interesting to see if the Cubs let Pena go, and maybe make a run at prize free agents Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder. The Cubs could also decide to go young and give Bryan LaHair a chance to play everyday.
Kerry Wood, Reed Johnson, Ramon Ortiz and John Grabow also all filed for the Cubs on Sunday. Kerry Wood has said publically that if he doesn't pitch for the Cubs next season he would likely retire.
Theo Epstein's first decision will be what to do with Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez has a $16 million mutual option. Before the end of the season the Cubs third basemen said he would like to test free agency. Now that Theo is in town his tune seems to have changed. If he or the Cubs decide to not pick up the option Ramirez will also become a free agent.
Stay tuned to SB Nation and SB Nation Chicago for updates on free agency.