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Chicago White Sox officially sign former Blue Jays left-hander
Photo credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Anthony Kay is now a member of the south siders.
Kay has signed a two-year, $12MM contract. The deal, which was first reported on on Wednesday, December 3rd, has been made official by the Chicago White Sox.
Kay will earn $5MM in each of the coming two seasons. He has a $2MM buyout against a $10MM option for 2028.
The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay on a two-year, $12-million contract, which includes a mutual option for the 2028 season.
The left-hander is returning to the Major Leagues after spending the last two seasons in Japan as a member of the Yokohama Bay Stars.
There was a time when Kay was heralded as a top prospect and potential impact pitcher. However, the former first round draft pick has never really found his footing in the majors.
Selected by the New York Mets with the 31st overall pick in 2016 Entry Draft, Kay got off to a rough start, undergoing Tommy John surgery which required him to miss the 2017 season.
He went 7-11 in his first professional season, and was named to the All-star futures game in 2019 before he was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a package for pitcher Marcus Stroman.
He spent parts of four seasons in Toronto, pitching to a 4-2 record with a 5.48 ERA in 28 games, which included seven starts. However, he was designated for assignment at the end of 2022, following the signing of Chris Bassitt.
Kay in mix for 4th and 5th spot in White Sox rotation
The White Sox are taking a big risk on someone with limited experience. Their rotation has several question marks, and Kay could easily slot into the 4th spot behind right-handers Shane Smith, Sean Burke, and Davis Martin.
If Kay can find himself, the deal has the potential to have a huge payoff for Chicago.