White Sox sign infielder Tim Beckham to minor-league deal

The White Sox and Tim Beckham have agreed to a minor league contract, according to USA Today, a deal that will pay the infielder a $1.35 million in base salary in 2021 if he makes the roster.

Beckham, who did not play in 2020, was suspended 80 games in August 2019 for using performance enhancing drugs. He batted .237/.293/.461 with 15 homers and 47 RBI in 88 games for the Mariners in 2019, and he owns a .249/.302/.431 career hitting line with 63 homers over six seasons with the Rays, Orioles and Mariners.

Beckham has played all four infield positions and left field during his career — 263 at shortstop, 88 at second base, 59 at third base, 11 at first base and 13 in left field.

With the Sox starting infield set with Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson, Nick Madrigal and Jose Abreu from third to first, Beckham, 30, was likely signed to add depth. The Sox also have infielder/outfielder Leury Garcia (if his $3.5 option is picked up) and infielder Danny Mendick on the 40-man roster.