Chicago White Sox Sign Former Royals, Brewers All-Star Mike Moustakas to Minor League Deal
The Chicago White Sox have signed third baseman Mike Moustakas to a minor league contract, the club announced Wednesday night.
Moustakas, a 35-year-old former All-Star, will be a non-roster invitee to Chicago's Spring Training camp in Glendale, Arizona.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale later reported that Moustakas would be due $2 million if he makes the White Sox's major league roster. An additional $2 million will be available in performance-based incentives.
Moustakas was once one of MLB's premier third basemen, making his debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2011. He was an everyday player by 2012, and he capped off his first All-Star season in 2015 by winning the World Series.
Even after he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018, Moustakas retained his All-Star status in the National League.
From 2012 to 2019, Moustakas made three All-Star Games and won two American Leauge pennants. He hit .251 in that span while racking up 177 home runs, 208 doubles, 531 RBI, a .758 OPS and a 13.6 WAR, ranking fourth in games played and eighth in total bases at his position.
Moustakas' stock dipped once he landed with the Cincinnati Reds, as did his availability. He averaged just 61 games played from 2020 through 2022.
After starting 2023 on a hot streak with the Colorado Rockies, Moustakas got flipped to the Los Angeles Angels in June. His production fell off once again down the stretch, and he entered free agency in November without much fanfare.
Moustakas' OPS broke .800 in four out of five seasons in the back half of the 2010s, though, and the White Sox apparently still see value in his bat.
Yoán Moncada and Andrew Vaughn are projected to be Chicago's Opening Day third and first basemen, respectively, taking up both of the spots where Moustakas has the most experience. Neither has a formidable backup on the roster, however, giving Moustakas a possible path to at-bats in the big leagues.
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