White Sox rumors: Jake Peavy could act as own agent

Current Chicago White Sox right-hander and free agent-to-be Jake Peavy is weighing whether or not to handle negotiations this winter himself, reports Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times:

"I'd like to come back here,'' he said. "I love Chicago and this team. I hope we'll be able to work something out."

The White Sox are expected to decline their portion of Peavy’s $22 million contract option for the 2013 season. If this happens, the 31-year-old will receive a $4 million buyout and hit the open market in search of his next contract.

Peavy’s current and long-time agent Barry Axelrod will be stepping down from his position following the season, as he’s preparing to accept a job with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This would leave Peavy either seeking a new agent or electing to represent himself. If he did decide to be his own agent, Ginnetti reminds us that the MLB Players Association would assist him during negotiations.

Peavy has turned in an impressive 2012 campaign, maintaining an ERA of 3.37 over 31 starts spanning 211 innings.