The Toronto Blue Jays have parted ways with Alex Rios and the outfielder is off to Chicago.
On Monday the Blue Jays allowed the White Sox to claim the 28-year-old off waivers.
The enigmatic outfielder was placed on waivers late last week and once the White Sox put in a claim, Toronto had to decide whether they wanted to recall him off waivers, work out a deal with Chicago and trade him, or let Rios go, getting nothing in return. The team opted for the third choice.
"Alex Rios was claimed off waivers and we awarded that player to the White Sox," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said at a Monday evening news conference. "Nobody came back in return. Alex gets to go to Chicago and the White Sox assume his contract.
"It's not from a standpoint of a financial dump, that's not the message we're trying to send here. Since we've done the [Rios] contract, things have changed. This allows us some more financial flexibility to address our club going forward. Cash is king going forward, especially in the environment we're in."
The two-time All-Star is slated to make $9.7 million in 2010, $12 million in 2011, $12 million in 2012, $12.5 million in 2013, and $12.5 million in 2014. There is a club option of $13.5 million for 2015, with a $1 million buyout.
Rios had been penciled in to hit sixth and play right field against the New York Yankees on Monday night, but was replaced by Jose Bautista.
Rios is batting .264 with 14 home runs and 62 RBI with 19 stolen bases over 108 games this season.
The White Sox are in contention in the American League Central, trailing the Detroit Tigers by only 3 games heading into action on Monday. The White Sox are in Seattle for a series with the Mariners and at least one player was happy to hear the team had acquired Rios.
"Tremendous player," veteran Jim Thome told the Associated Press upon hearing the news.
Over his time with the Blue Jays Rios demonstraited great physical skill, but also lapses in production.