By Daryl Van Schouwen
Staff writer
The White Sox announced the signing of free-agent infielder/outfielder Emilio Bonifacio on Thursday and designated outfielder Jordan Danks for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Bonifacio, who turns 30 in April, will receive $3 million in 2015. The Sox hold a $4 million option for 2016 with a $1 million buyout. The signing was first reported Monday.
“Emilio brings an excellent mix of versatility, speed and experience to our club, which will provide Robin [Ventura] with additional flexibility with the roster this year,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “We expect Emilio’s ability to switch-hit, help at multiple positions and steal a base to be very beneficial.”
Bonifacio batted .259 over 110 games between the Cubs and Braves last season with 17 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 24 RBI and 26 stolen bases. He appeared in 65 games in center field, 31 at second base, seven at third, six in right, four at shortstop, four in left and one as the designated hitter. According to STATS, he was one of 10 position players to play at least one game at seven or more positions. He’s a .262 career hitter with 164 stolen bases.
Danks, 28, the younger brother of veteran pitcher John Danks, never hit his stride offensively with the Sox. He played in 180 games over the last three seasons, batting .227.
The acquisitions of Bonifacio and outfielder Melky Cabrera likely contributed to Danks, one of the organization’s top defensive outfielders, being removed from the 40-man roster.
Email: dvanschouwen@suntimes.com
Twitter: @CST_soxvan
