



GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox have not announced their Opening Day roster but a source confirmed to the Sun-Times Sunday that infielder Leury Garcia, the longest tenured player on the team, will not be on it.
Garcia, who signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract before last season, struggled throughout the 2022 season.
Indications around the Sox clubhouse Sunday morning were that prospect Oscar Colas will make the team as its right fielder, as expected, and that relievers Nick Avila and Bryan Shaw will not make the team. Avila was a Rule 5 Draft pick but did not have a strong spring, allowing eight runs in 10 innings over seven appearances. Shaw, a non-roster invitee, performed well (1.08 ERA) but was not on the 40-man roster.
A favorite of former manager Tony La Russa who batted .210/.233/.267 in 97 games last season, Garcia had switch-hit value, speed and experience at every position except catcher and first base. But his production translated into one of the worst performers in the majors last season.
It was thought that Garcia would have a chance to stick because of his contract. Garcia was paid $5.5 million last season and will be paid $5.5 this year and next.
“Everybody here is committed to putting the best team on the field,” manager Pedro Grifol said Sunday morning when asked about financial considerations affecting roster decisions. “I noticed that in my interview and with the front office on a daily basis, the commitment to win and put the best team on the field is real.”
Garcia not making the team bodes well for veteran infielder Hanser Alberto, who can play all four infield spots and is considered an excellent clubhouse presence. Alberto is batting .450/.476/.800 this spring.