Early retirement unlikely for Dunn

NEW YORK — Adam Dunn, who repeatedly has said he would walk away from the game when it’s no longer fun, isn’t having much — if any — this season.

Who associated with the White Sox could be?

Dunn has said throughout the losses that he enjoys the competition and he repeated that Tuesday night.

“It’s just tough losing when you have such high expectations,’’ he told reporters.

The topic was revisited because of a column by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal headlined “Dunn may be done after the season.” Dunn told Rosenthal before the game that he wouldn’t come back only for the $15 million left on his contract and that early retirement wouldn’t be out of the question.

“Obviously winning solves everything,’’ Dunn said after the Sox blew a late three-run lead and lost 6-4 to the New York Yankees for their fifth defeat in a row. “Because the expectations were so high, in the clubhouse for sure, this has been one of the most disappointing years I can remember.’’

The bottom line: Dunn doesn’t want to be part of a total rebuild, which isn’t what the Sox plan to do. He told the Sun-Times three weeks ago he wouldn’t care to return to the Sox next season if another bad year like this one or a rebuilding effort by management was in the works. He also said he expects the Sox to be more competitive next season.

Asked after the game if he is considering retirement, Dunn said

“No.”

“As of right now it’s a no. I think we went down this road before. The day that I quit having fun and quit enjoying making a struggle to come to the ballpark or not enjoying the competition out there is the day I will go home, whether it be tomorrow, whether it be 10 years now.

“Our expectations were high in here and for things to work out like they have are very disappointing.

“Next year? We’ve got a bunch of games left now. Last thing I want to do is think about next year. I want to get through this one and kind of enjoy the offseason.”

Manager Robin Ventura said he expects Dunn to play next season. Dunn probably isn’t the only White Sox who has been beaten down emotionally by a 56-81 season.

It’s certainly not out of the question that general manager Rick Hahn will explore trades for Dunn, but his contract is steep even though his offensive production hasn’t been bad.