Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche announced on Tuesday, March 15 that he is stepping away from baseball.
According to the Chicago Tribune, LaRoche is stepping away due to a personal issue. His teammates asked him to reconsider during a team meeting. He said that he will consider their request but he is confident in his decision to step away.
"I’m confident I am stepping away from baseball," LaRoche said. "My teammates have asked me for an hour (to reconsider). I’ve tried to convince them I am convinced, but I will do them that, and give it a day or two, and then come back in and finish the story. I didn’t come in yesterday because I wanted to make sure it was the right move and not make an emotional decision, but I’m confident it is.”
LaRoche joined the White Sox last year with a two-year, $25 million contract. He would have made $13 million this year. Last year he hit .207 with 12 homeruns and 44 RBIs, according to ESPN. He was 1-5 and had one homerun in two spring training games before being sidelined with back spasms. LaRoche has hit .260 and has 255 homeruns and 882 RBIs in his 12-year career.
LaRoche stepping away means that the White Sox don’t have a designated hitter. They could have Austin Jackson, Avisail Garcia or Melky Cabrerea as the DH.