White Sox finalize deal with Bonifacio

Jan 8, 2015 - 10:19 PM Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago White Sox have officially announced that the club has agreed to terms with utilityman Emilio Bonifacio on a one-year, $4 million contract that includes a team option for the 2016 season.

FOXSports.com reported Monday that the versatile Bonifacio was set to sign with Chicago. The eight-year major league veteran will earn $3 million this coming season, with the White Sox holding a $4 million option with a $1 million buyout for 2016.

Bonifacio began last season with the crosstown rival Cubs before being traded to Atlanta on July 31. The 29-year-old switch-hitter batted .259 with three home runs, 24 RBI and 26 stolen bases over a combined 110 games in 2014.

"Emilio brings an excellent mix of versatility, speed and experience to our club which will provide (manager) Robin (Ventura) with additional flexibility with the roster this year," said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. "We expect Emilio's ability to switch hit, help at multiple positions and steal a base to be very beneficial to us."

Bonifacio started games at six different positions this past season, seeing time at all three outfield spots as well as second base, shortstop and third base. He owns a .262 career average with 164 steals over 722 MLB games.

Outfielder Jordan Danks was designated for assignment to create a space for Bonifacio on Chicago's 40-man roster.

Danks, the younger brother of White Sox pitcher John Danks, hit just .227 with eight homers, 26 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 180 games with Chicago over the past three seasons. The 28-year-old batted .222 with two homers and 10 RBI in 51 contests in 2014.