Journeyman Emilio Bonifacio has a new home.
According to Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi and CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, the 29-year-old, who has played with seven different teams during his eight-year MLB career, has signed with the Chicago White Sox:
Heyman noted the deal was pending a physical, but he also stated this has been a “brilliant winter” for Chicago.
Although he has moved around quite a bit in the last couple of years, Bonifacio‘s role is clear: He’s a versatile utility man who provides speed on the basepaths and plays a multitude of different positions.
As MLBDailyDish.com’s Chris Cotillo noted back in November, he had lots of suitors:
Spending time between the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves last season, he hit .259/.305/.345 with three home runs, 17 doubles, four triples and 26 stolen bases. Over the last three campaigns, he has swiped an average of 44 bags per 162 games.
“He’s always a pain to play against,” Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons said when the team acquired Bonifacio last trade deadline, via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution‘s David O’Brien. “It’s going to be fun having him on the team and not have to worry about him stealing bases (against the Braves). He’s going to steal bases for us.”
Defensively, he’s a Swiss army knife. While he spent most of the 2014 season at center field, he played every outfield position, third base, second base and shortstop.
This isn’t a signing that will alter the landscape of the league, but players like Bonifacio often play significant roles on winning teams. The switch-hitter can give almost any starter a day off here or there. He can come on as a pinch runner or a defensive replacement. He’s a veteran presence in the clubhouse.
If he does those things for the White Sox, this will prove to be a valuable signing.
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