Update: White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has not ruled out bringing Konerko back for 2014, reports Doug Padilla of ESPN. The team has stayed in touch with Konerko while in the process of signing Abreu. It’s possible the veteran first baseman could come back to Chicago in a mentor role while also playing part-time at designated hitter and first base.
Paul Konerko free agency: 1B uncertain about future with White Sox
Konerko says he is “not sure how to feel” about the team signing Jose Abreu to a big deal.
David Banks
White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko is uncertain about his future with Chicago after the team signed Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu, reports Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune.
More White Sox: Jose Abreu: The White Sox' logical leap of faith
Konerko is set to become a free agent as his three year, $37.5 million contract comes to an end. Signing Abreu to a $68 million contract indicates that the White Sox are ready to move on from their long-time first baseman. While Konerko could get reps at designated hitter, Adam Dunn is currently being paid big money to fill that role.
If the White Sox do not want him, there is a possibility that this could be the end of Konerko’s 17-year career. He has spent the last 15 seasons with the White Sox and has a career .281/.356/.491 line with 427 home runs, sixth most among active players.
However, Konerko’s hitting dropped precipitously in 2013. Over 126 games, he hit just .244 with a 669 OPS and 12 homers.
Konerko said at the end of September that he would take a month to think about retirement. With that timeline, he should make a decision soon. He says no meetings have been set with the team yet.
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