CHICAGO -- Hot Stove rumors regarding White Sox interest in everyone from top targeted position players Bryce Harper and Manny Machado to pitchers Jeurys Familia and Nathan Eovaldi have barely made their way to Tim Anderson.
Much as he did last offseason, the White Sox shortstop is somewhat tuning out the baseball world while giving thanks for what he has and sharing those blessings with others. Anderson, his wife, Bria, and their young daughter, Peyton, will be hand-delivering turkeys and Thanksgiving baskets to those in need this week in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Ala., in conjunction with the Andersons' League of Leaders charity.
"We had an online link for families to fill out," Anderson said. "We are going to pick through them and select some families, and hopefully we can put some smiles on some faces.
"It's families in need. By me being from the area, I kind of know some of the people. It's going to be fun. I'm excited. I couldn't be more proud and happy to do it and give back to my community."
Anderson began this charitable organization in memory of and tribute to his close friend Branden Moss, who was the tragic victim of gun violence as he tried to help an assault victim at a Tuscaloosa bar on May 7, 2017. Moss' death was extremely tough for Anderson to process, but through counseling and an even deeper dedication to his family, Anderson arrived where he is today.
"I'm in a better place. I couldn't be happier than where I am today," Anderson said. "I learned a lot from those situations and grew a lot from those situations.
"I feel like I get life. I get it. I understand. This is something we love to do. As far as I lost a close friend, it motivates me to keep his name alive. I couldn't be more excited and happy to give back to my community. Just have fun with it."
In growing that charitable brand name, Anderson and his family have stayed in their in-season Chicago home 35 minutes southwest of Guaranteed Rate Field during the offseason for the first time in his career. They are expecting a second child, with Anderson having a feeling it's going to be a boy, although the gender reveal is taking place this week.
His Chicago presence allowed Anderson to take part in the annual White Sox Amateur City Elite collegiate signing day last week, where Anderson spent a few private moments answering questions from the 20 players about their future at Guaranteed Rate Field before speaking before their friends and family members. He also is receiving his first taste of Chicago winter.
"Oh, man, it's not bad. I like to try different things," said a smiling Anderson. "Growing up in Alabama, you always have the heat. So why not try something new?"
A January youth baseball camp in Alabama follows the Thanksgiving turkey drive for Anderson's League of Leaders. He hopes to do similar youth camp events in the Chicago area.
"For the most part, we have a lot of ideas in store," Anderson said. "We are trying to get established here. We are trying to build a brand here and get our names out. Just do things like this, spend more time and do more things in the Chicago community.
"My organization is reaching out as far as we can. Just showing that I'm real. Everybody has a voice, and hopefully I can just reach as many kids as I can and put as many smiles on faces as I can."