Melky looking for longer stay with White Sox
KANSAS CITY -- Outfielder Melky Cabrera has 67 games remaining during his time with the White Sox or so it appears.That time frame represents what's left on Cabrera's three-year, $42-million deal agreed upon with the team prior to the 2015 season. With the White Sox currently in full-fledged rebuild, Cabrera's
KANSAS CITY -- Outfielder
That time frame represents what's left on Cabrera's three-year, $42-million deal agreed upon with the team prior to the 2015 season. With the White Sox currently in full-fledged rebuild, Cabrera's stay in Chicago could wind up shorter if a contending team pursues the valuable veteran before the non-waiver Trade Deadline on July 31 or even in August.
But the soon-to-be 33-year-old Cabrera doesn't want to leave the White Sox -- not now or even after his contract expires.
"I would like to finish the season here. I like Chicago," Cabrera said through interpreter Billy Russo prior to Sunday's game against the Royals. "I like this team and I would like to stay here for a long time, not just until the end of the season. But I don't have control of those decisions."
Cabrera entered Sunday hitting .355 with seven home runs, 25 RBIs and 24 runs scored over his last 37 games. He has a .343 average with 11 homers and 37 RBIs over his last 51.
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Not only is the switch-hitter a potent force with the bat, but he's also tied for the Major League lead with eight outfield assists. These numbers don't factor in Cabrera's clubhouse leadership.
"If they asked me to do it, I would like to do it," Cabrera said. "Like I said before, I don't have control about that. That's all in their hands, and we'll see. I would like to stay here."
When asked why he would want to stay with the White Sox, Cabrera responded with "the treatment."
"They have treated me very good," Cabrera said. "I know that we have very good players here and I just want to stay here for the rest of my career."
Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003. Read his blog, Merk's Works, follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin, on Facebook and listen to his podcast.