The Chicago White Sox have announced that they have offered salary arbitration to starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, and have declined to make the offer to outfielder Juan Pierre. Both veteran players are listed as Type-B free agents by Elias, meaning the White Sox still have the right to receive draft pick compensation if Buehrle signs with another team. The two moves were both in line with expectations, as the team plans to move on from 34-year old Pierre with younger outfielders Alejandro De Aza and Dayan Viciedo, and the team would like to retain Buehrle, but would probably need him to take a discount.
Buehrle is drawing interest from numerous other teams, and has long been considered a good fit for the National League with his pitch-to-contact style. This move gives the White Sox some measure of recourse if their franchise cornerstone decides to move on.
There are no immediate changes to the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement that will affect White Sox free agents for this offseason, but for a look at how the system has transformed looking forward made sure to check out this comprehensive breakdown at South Side Sox.
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