White Sox sign Jimmy Rollins to minor-league deal

The White Sox have signed shortstop Jimmy Rollins to a minor-league deal, according to a report from Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago. The deal includes an invite to major-league spring training, and includes a $2 million base salary if Rollins makes the team's major-league roster.

Rollins, 37, will likely have a good shot to make Chicago's Opening Day roster as a veteran complement to Tyler Saladino at shortstop. Alexei Ramirez had manned the spot for the ChiSox for years, but the team declined his option at the beginning of the offseason and he signed with the Padres last month.

Chicago has been linked to Ian Desmond at points this winter, but decided instead for the cheaper option in Rollins. If Rollins makes the major-league team, he will play alongside fellow newcomer Todd Frazier, who the White Sox acquired from the Reds earlier in the winter.

Rollins spent last season with the Dodgers, posting a .224/.285/.358 line while hitting 13 home runs in 144 games as the Dodgers' primary shortstop. He has never appeared in the American League, spending his entire career with the Phillies (2000-14) before being traded to the Dodgers last winter.

Rollins is a lifetime .265/.325/.420 hitter with 229 home runs in 16 major-league seasons. He has been an All-Star on three occasions (2001, 2002, 2005) and was the National League MVP in 2007.