This story was excerpted from Scott Merkin’s White Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Tim Anderson joined the White Sox on June 6, 2013.
He was selected No. 17 overall in the MLB Draft out of East Central Community College in Mississippi and didn’t say much during those first few years in the system. We joked about that aspect recently, because Anderson clearly grew into his role as not only one of the engaging voices of the team but in the game.
As the first night of the 2023 Draft approaches Sunday, Anderson can reflect on the opportunities college and high school players will be receiving based on the opportunity he received 10 years ago.
“It was a dream come true. That’s enough to remember: It was a moment that changed my life,” Anderson told me during a recent interview. “It gave me another opportunity after my JUCO gave me an opportunity.
“Just keep working and try to get better each and every year. Just being thankful to be able to last this long. Even 10 years from the time I got drafted, it’s still a long time to be around, especially in one organization.”
Anderson had an idea the White Sox were going to take him, bringing with him unlimited talent on his resume as he developed as a raw shortstop. He has become their middle infield fixture as one of baseball’s most consistent hitters, despite uncharacteristic prolonged 2023 struggles at the plate. Anderson is playing on a six-year, $25 million deal, with a $14 million club option and a $1 million buyout for ’24.
Kris Bryant went second to the Cubs in that 2013 Draft, winning the ‘16 National League MVP award and a World Series title in the same year. Aaron Judge was taken 32nd by the Yankees and earned the ‘22 AL MVP during a historic 62-home run campaign. Anderson, a two-time All-Star and a batting champ in ‘19, belongs on that list of impact players.
“I think it was a good Draft. It was a lot of good players,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, I can be remembered for being one of those guys in that Draft. But that moment changed a lot for me. Honestly, it was a huge opportunity that a lot of people don’t get in life. I’ll always be thankful for that opportunity. I’ll never take it for granted.
“This is my eighth season. I’m getting up on 10 years in the big leagues, and I’m always trying to get better to stay in the seat that I’m in … I’m going to keep working and see where I land. Hopefully, they keep me around.”