White Sox sign Mat Latos

The Chicago White Sox announced the signing of right-handed starter Mat Latos to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com first reported the deal. 

Latos will make $3 million in 2016, Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports. He can also earn an extra $300,000 each for winning the Cy Young, MVP, and World Series MVP awards, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, though that appears unlikely. 

The 28-year-old Latos would have thought to have earned more money in his first career free agency, but an array of issues led him to take a one-year deal. 

Latos is notorious for having a rough personality and is not known for being the greatest teammate. He has publicly called out different members of organizations he has pitched with in the staff, like the training staff and front office. 

Plus, Latos is coming off of a down season. 

In 112 2/3 innings in 2015, Latos went 4-10 with a 4.95 ERA and a 97 to 31 strikeout-to-walk ratio, which was just a tick above his career average. According to FanGraphs, he was worth 1.5 Wins Above Replacement. 

He spent last season with three teams, starting the year with the Marlins before being dealt to the Dodgers, where he was released after six outings. Latos was then signed by the Angels and finished out the season there. 

The White Sox are taking the upside that Latos offers, as not too long ago he was a very good pitcher, posting a 3.16 ERA in 210 2/3 innings back in 2013. Chicago is teetering on contention, and the addition of Latos, if it works out, could help lean them toward a successful 2016 season. 

As it stands, their projected starting rotation includes: Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, John Danks, and Latos. Last season, the group posted a 4.12 ERA, 14th-lowest in the Majors. However, they also posted a much-better 3.87 xFIP, suggesting that their rotation was undervalued due to poor luck. 

--Devan Fink

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