Peavy may be his own agent in contract talks

Jake Peavy will be a free agent for the first time in his career when the White Sox opt out of the final $22 million option year in his contract and pay a $4 million buyout instead.

But Peavy hopes to return to the Sox provided the two sides can reach what the right-hander believes is a fair offer.

An unusual circumstance could surround negotiations because Peavy’s longtime agent, Barry Axelrod, will no longer be representing him. Axelrod is taking a position with the Arizona Diamondbacks where his close friend, Kevin Towers, is the general manager.

Peavy is weighing whether to handle his negotiations himself. The MLB Players Assn. does assist players in such negotiating situations.

“I’d like to come back here,” he said. “I love Chicago and this team. I hope we’ll be able to work something out.”