Kevin Youkilis could still be option for White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are still interested in signing Kevin Youkilis. The White Sox declined to pick up his option for 2013, making him a free agent, but general manager Rick Hahn said they will pursue Youkilis on the free agent market.

Youkilis was sent from the Boston Red Sox to the White Sox on June 24 for Brent Lillibridge and Zach Stewart. While with Chicago, the third baseman batted .236 with 15 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 47 runs over 80 games. Hahn said Youkilis wants to explore the market, but he knows that the White Sox would like to have him back.

Over his nine year career, Youkilis has a .283 batting average with 148 home runs, 610 RBIs, and 641 runs scored. He was selected to the All Star team in 2008, 2009, and 2011 as a member of the Red Sox.

Hahn also indicated that it is possible the White Sox will re-sign catcher A.J. Pierzynski as well. Pierzynski has been with the White Sox since 2005; last season he batted .278 with 27 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 68 runs scored.