Mat Latos, a free agent right-handed pitcher, has signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. The deal does not include any incentives or options, just a plain one-year deal, per Chris Cotillo of SB Nation.
The 28-year-old was drafted in the 11th round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres out of Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since his debut in 2009, Latos has played for the Padres (2009-2011), Cincinnati Reds (2012-2015), Miami Marlins (2015), Los Angeles Dodgers (2015) and Los Angeles Angels (2015) across his seven-year career. Latos became a free agent after the 2015 season.
In 2015, Latos was dealt in a three-team trade with the Marlins, Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. On September 25, he was released by the Dodgers, but three days later Latos was signed as a free agent by the Angels. On November 2, Latos was granted free agency. It was a wild season for the right-handed pitcher, who went 4-10 with a 4.95 ERA and a 100-to-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 116.1 innings pitched.
Latos finished eighth in 2010 National League Cy Young voting with a 14-10 record and a 2.92 ERA across 184.2 innings, which game in 31 starts. It was the best season of the seven-year career for Latos.
Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, John Danks, Carlos Rodon and Erik Johnson own the projected starting rotation for 2016 Opening Day. Latos, however, will look to compete for a slot and join the rotation before the season gets underway. Once the move to sign Latos becomes official, the 40-man roster of the White Sox will be full.
The 6-foot-6, 244 pound pitcher is a fine gamble at $3 million across a season of baseball. He gives the White Sox depth in the rotation, but only time will tell for Latos and his ability to have a bounce back season.