White Sox agree to terms with Emilio Bonifacio; designate outfielder Jordan Danks for assignment

January 8, 2015

CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox and infielder/outfielder Emilio Bonifacio have agreed to terms on a one-year, $4-million contract. Under terms of the agreement, Bonifacio, 29, will receive $3 million in 2015, while the White Sox hold a $4-million option for 2016 with a $1-million buyout.

Bonifacio appeared in 110 games last season between the Cubs and Atlanta, batting .259 (102-394) with 17 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 24 RBI, 47 runs scored and 26 stolen bases. He appeared in 65 games in center field, 31 at second base, seven at third, six in right, four at shortstop, four in left and one as the designated hitter in 2014. He was one of just 10 position players to play at least one game at seven or more different positions (including DH) throughout the season (STATS LLC).

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound switch-hitter was traded to the Braves with left-hander James Russell on July 31, 2014 in exchange for catcher Victor Caratini and cash considerations. He batted .269 (77-276) with 14 doubles, three triples, two homers and 18 RBI over 69 games with Chicago before the trade.

"Emilio brings an excellent mix of versatility, speed and experience to our club which will provide Robin with additional flexibility with the roster this year," said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. "We expect Emilio's ability to switch hit, help at multiple positions and steal a base to be very beneficial to us."

A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Bonifacio's best season came in 2011 with the Marlins when he hit .296 (167-565) with 26 doubles, seven triples, 36 RBI, five home runs, 78 runs scored and a .360 on-base percentage in 152 games played. He established career highs in virtually every offensive category in 2011.

Bonifacio is a .262 hitter (643-2,456) with 92 doubles, 32 triples, 13 homers, 155 RBI, 342 runs scored and 164 stolen bases in 722 career games over eight major-league seasons with Arizona (2007-08), Washington (2008), Florida/Miami (2009-12), Toronto (2013), Kansas City (2013), the Cubs (2014) and Atlanta (2014). He owns a career 78.8 stolen base (164-208) and .974 fielding percentage (60 E/1,969 TC). Bonifacio originally was signed by Arizona as a free agent on December 27, 2001.

Danks, 28, has appeared in 180 games over three seasons (2012-14) with the White Sox, batting .227 (78-344) with eight home runs, 26 RBI and 41 runs scored. He was selected by Chicago in the seventh round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

Following the moves, the White Sox 40-man roster is at 40.