Second baseman Gordon Beckham signed with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Beckham signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the White Sox. Outfielder Dayan Viciedo has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Beckham. The White Sox have to either trade or release Viciedo within the next ten days.
"The White Sox always kept their door open to me," Beckham said. "I appreciate the fact that (general manager) Rick (Hahn) was extremely professional in talking to my agent throughout the process. There was always a chance for (a return). We were trying to find the best opportunity for me to play, and ultimately, the best opportunity for me to play was in Chicago."
Beckham was a first-round draft pick for the White Sox in 2008. In August he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. He hit .226 with 27 doubles, nine homeruns, and 44 RBI’s with the White Sox and Angels last year, according to ESPN. In six seasons Beckham has a career average of.245 with 63 homeruns, 264 RBIs, and 337 runs scored. Viciedo has a career average of .254 with 66 homeruns and 211 RBIs in five seasons.
Beckham has played second base for the majority of his career. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn would like Carlos Sanchez or prospect Micah Johnson to win the job at second base this season. If that happens, then Beckham would be a backup for second, third, and shortstop.