GLENDALE, Ariz. — Adam LaRoche surprised the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday by telling them he intends to retire, leaving $13 million on the table.
General manager Rick Hahn said LaRoche told his teammates in a clubhouse meeting Tuesday morning and was asked to reconsider his decision.
Hahn said he was not expecting the news, but added that after “extensive conversations with him, between us and his coaches and he and his teammates, you would have to be respectful and understand his perspective.”
LaRoche, 36, signed a two-year deal for $25 million with the White Sox a year ago. But he struggled in 2015, batting just .207 with 12 home runs.
The first baseman-turned-designated hitter hadn’t played since early this month because of back spasms.
Hahn, who spoke before Chicago’s Cactus League game with the Dodgers, didn’t sound as though he was expecting LaRoche to have a change of heart.
“We’ll make adjustments and move on,” Hahn said.
LaRoche also had played for the Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox.
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