GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- For a White Sox franchise that has made a habit of shrewdly locking up young talent early on long-term extensions, the decision to do the same for 22-year-old outfielder Eloy Jimenez was simple.
"Throughout the years, whenever we've attempted to do this, it has always been with a player whose makeup and work ethic has been one we trusted, one that we felt wasn't going to change with security a long-term contract brings," general manager Rick Hahn said Saturday. "Eloy checks all the boxes. He is someone we view as playing a very important role going forward."
Jimenez's six-year deal that guarantees him $43 million became official Friday. With two club options included, the White Sox have contract control of Jimenez for the next eight years at a cost of $75 million. That figure could reach more than $77.5 million based on incentives for awards.
Jimenez's long-term contract is the feel-good story of spring training for the White Sox and their fans, who were left reeling after star infielder Manny Machado spurned the organization for a 10-year, $300-million deal with the Padres. Jimenez's signing and soon-to-be ascension to the big league team is another step in a rebuild that's now in its third season, and his arrival will naturally increase expectations a bit.
"I am just feeling really proud about it," Jimenez said. "I see what the team felt about me. I feel really good about it."
Jimenez hit .337 with 22 homers, 75 RBIs and a .961 OPS in 108 games split between Double-A and Triple-A in 2018. He was acquired from the Cubs in the Jose Quintana trade in July 2017 and has been viewed as a cornerstone piece of the rebuild since that time.
He struggled this spring, going 4-of-26 (.154). Some of that may have been attributed to jitters as his life-altering deal was negotiated and finalized. The White Sox haven't confirmed that Jimenez -- who was recently sent to Triple-A -- will be on the Opening Day roster, but that's the expectation after his new contract made service time considerations a moot point.
"It is a fair question in terms of pressure and expectations," Hahn said. "There is still going to be some development for him occurring at the major league. So there will be some ups and downs over the course of the next several months. We are not making any announcements about the Opening Day roster. Today's about Eloy's long-term future."
Note: In a roster move Saturday, the White Sox optioned outfielder Nicky Delmonico to Triple-A Charlotte. Delmonico had dealt with a concussion earlier this spring. He returned and hit .261 with a .668 OPS in 23 at-bats. Delmonico, 26, hit .215 with eight homers, 25 RBIs and a .669 OPS in 88 games in 2018.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
