Righty reliever Bobby Jenks has been the closer for the White Sox for five consecutive seasons. That run is now coming to an end, though, as Chicago has elected to non-tender the 29-year-old and make him a free agent.
White Sox Non-Tender Closer Bobby Jenks, Making Him A Free Agent
Jenks earned $7.5 million a season ago, and had Chicago offered him arbitration, he would’ve been all but guaranteed a raise, likely to the $9 million range. The White Sox considered that an overpayment for his contribution, and so they’ve set him free.
Despite a 4.44 2010 ERA that was the highest of his career, Jenks remains an effective reliever, and last year struck out 61 batters in 52.2 innings. Over his five seasons as closer in Chicago, he put up an ERA of 3.48 with nearly a strikeout an inning, and he’s capable of gunning his fastball into the mid- to high-90s. The free agent is sure to draw interest on the market, and while he won’t return to the south side, he should have little trouble making some millions of dollars.
Check out more on Jenks and the White Sox over at South Side Sox.
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