After giving Jimmy Rollins a chance to be their starting shortstop early in the season, the team has designated Rollins for assignment and promoted Tim Anderson. The 22-year-old Anderson entered 2016 as the top-rated hitting prospect in the White Sox' farm system and rated the 42nd best prospect by MLB.com.
Anderson takes over as Chicago's shortstop after Rollins entered Friday with a .221/.295/.329 triple-slash line through 41 games. Chicago, who was slipping in the standings, put Tyler Saladino at shortstop but saw him only slashed .247/.273/.376 this season.
In 55 games for Triple-A Charlotte this season, Anderson shined with a .304/.325/.409 triple-slash line in 256 plate appearances, with 10 doubles, four home runs, 20 RBI's and 11 stolen bases. On the 20-80 scouting scale, MLB.com graded Anderson with a 55-hit tool, 40-power tool, 70-run tool and 50-fielding grade.
Anderson's tools play especially well at shortstop, where a consistent hitter with some pop is hard to find. Anderson worked with the White Sox during spring training, so he will be familiar with the clubhouse and coaching staff and after more productive at bats in Triple-A, he proved to the team he was ready for the majors.
While early on Anderson may still split some time at shortstop with Saladino, it won't be long before he emerges as the better option and becomes Chicago's everyday shortstop. Anderson is already set to go in the White Sox lineup. He should be picked up in all fantasy leagues.
As for Rollins, the veteran shortstop may not be a free agent for long. The San Francisco Giants were very interested in him during the offseason as a potential utility player. There should be a number of teams who look to Rollins as depth at shortstop and a potential utility middle infielder.