White Sox Land Third Baseman Jeff Keppinger
Cesar Tordesillas
Chicago, IL
The Chicago White Sox have filled up the third-base vacancy, reportedly signing free agent Jeff Keppinger to a three-year contract worth $12 million.
The 32-year-old Keppinger is fresh off a career year with the Tampa Bay last season, hitting .325 with 125 hits, 40 RBIs and a career-high nine homers in 115 games.
Keppinger has drawn significant interest with a thin third-base free-agent field on the open market.
Keppinger's three-year deal was initially reported by CBSSports.com and MLB Network while FOX Sports revealed that the White Sox will pay Keppinger about $12 million over the term of the contract.
The nine-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Rays last season after playing for the San Francisco Giants. He also played for the Houston Astros, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals.
As utility infielder, Keppinger primarily played first and third for the Rays last season but could become Chicago's everyday third baseman.
It was reported that Keppinger underwent surgery earlier this offseason to repair a break in his right fibula he suffered after tripping down the stairs in his home.
However, he is expected to be fully healthy by mid-January and therefore ready to go when Spring Training begins.
Despite adding Keppinger, the White Sox are also interested in acquiring free-agent third baseman Jack Hannahan.
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