White Sox say so long to Tim Anderson

Context: The split comes after the former batting champ's worst year as a pro, collecting career lows in several categories including home runs — he hit just one all year.

• Anderson also suffered through injuries and embarrassing on-field skirmishes. His boxing match brawl against Cleveland's Jose Ramirez led to a hefty suspension.

Yes, but: Before last year, Anderson was a bona fide All-Star and face of the South Siders, hitting over .300 from 2019-2023 and winning the AL batting title in 2019.

What they're saying: According to MLB.com, Anderson replied via text when asked for comment, saying "Chicago is always a place I'll be thankful for."

Zoom out: Anderson played with energy and drama, electrifying crowds with walk-off home runs and creating controversy over bat flips and celebrations.

What's next: The 30-year-old now enters free agency and could technically re-sign with the White Sox, but that's unlikely.

• The Sox will move forward without a starting shortstop on the roster, but 21-year-old Colson Montgomery is the No. 1 player in the White Sox minor league system and could be called up to play in 2024.

The bottom line: By moving on from Anderson, first-year general manager Chris Getz is signaling a rebuild after one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

• In just under a year, White Sox stars Jose Abreu, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Jake Burger, Liam Hendriks and now Anderson are no longer with the team.