The Chicago White Sox had a few players who needed to be issued contracts for next season, or they would become free agents.
More News: Chicago White Sox aren’t ‘shopping’ their All-Star outfielder
Non-tendering three players — one pitcher and two position players — the White Sox have a lot of work to do to add to the production that these players leave behind.
The Chicago White Sox non-tendered three players while agreeing to terms with another player
Ahead of Friday’s 5 p.m. Eastern deadline, the White Sox decided to move on and not tender contracts to left-handed pitcher Cam Booser, outfielder Mike Tauchman, and first baseman Tim Elko. To avoid arbitration, the White Sox tendered a one-year contract to outfielder Derek Hill.
The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year, $900,000 contract with outfielder Derek Hill, avoiding arbitration, and have declined to tender 2026 contracts to left-handed pitcher Cam Booser, first baseman Tim Elko and outfielder Mike Tauchman.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 21, 2025
Hill will be in the White Sox outfield rotation and could get a share of reps in centerfield if they decide to trade former All-Star Luis Robert Jr. ahead of the season. In 57 games between the Miami Marlins and the White Sox, Hill hit .216/.281/.328 for an OPS of .609.
The White Sox’s 40-man roster currently stands at 34 players, and all unsigned players have signed contracts for next season, per the White Sox.
All remaining unsigned players on the White Sox 40-man roster have been tendered contracts for the 2026 season.
The Sox 40-man roster decreases to 34.— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 21, 2025
The White Sox not bringing back Mike Tauchman and Tim Elko is confusing
The White Sox are looking to get younger, but they also need veterans, so moving on from Elko — soon to be 27 — who has barely half a season in the big leagues under his belt —and Tauchman —soon to be 35 — who has close to six years in the big leagues — is confusing.
Tauchman and Elko dealt with injuries last season. Possibly contributing to the White Sox’s decision, with Elko dealing with an ACL tear, and Tauchman having a couple of hamstring injuries.
However, when Tauchman was on the field, he produced, slashing .263/.356/.400 with an OPS of .756 and nine home runs in 93 games. With a team that had one of the worst offenses (27th in team batting average), Tauchman had a lot to offer.
Non-tendering Elko was another head-scratcher, as the White Sox have a vacancy at first base and he has years of team control left. Mashing down at Triple-A Charlotte — batting .292 with an OPS of .910 and 26 home runs — Elko couldn’t find his footing in 23 games in the big leagues — hitting .134 with an OPS of .523 and four home runs.
Now a free agent after being non-tendered, Elko will likely get another chance somewhere else regardless of his injury. The same will hold for Tauchman, with teams loving to have for his energy and versatility to play all three outfield spots.
Chicago White Sox should target this former All-Star in 2026 MLB Free Agency
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