The Chicago White Sox signed right-handed pitcher Nate Jones to a three-year, $8 million extension Friday, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. By inking the new deal, Jones will forego his final two years of arbitration eligibility.
The White Sox announced Jones' deal includes two club options and a mutual option. On a yearly basis, Jones is slated to earn $900,000 in 2016, $1.9 million in 2017 and $3.95 million in 2015, according to the club.
The team option in 2019 is valued at $4.65 million, and the 2020 option clocks in at $5.15 million, per the White Sox. The mutual option for 2021 tops out at $6 million. In the event either club option is declined, the team announced Jones will receive a buyout worth $1.25 million.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn commented on the move Friday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Daryl Van Schouwen:
Jones suffered a UCL tear in July 2014 that required Tommy John surgery, but he rehabilitated and returned in time to pitch during the home stretch of the 2015 season.
In 19 appearances, Jones posted a 3.32 ERA, 27 strikeouts and just six walks. He also allowed a meager 12 hits over the span of 19 innings.
Working with a solid two-pitch combo, Jones impressed with his fastball first and off-speed stuff second. According to FanGraphs, Jones turned to his two-seam fastball 54.1 percent of the time last season while mixing in his slider at a 43.8 percent clip.
Jones' fastball clocked in at an average speed of 97.5 mph, per FanGraphs, and that kind of velocity could thrust him into a bigger role down the line, according to RotoWorld.com's Matthew Pouliot:
Signing Jones may not draw tremendous praise beyond the South Side, but it's a savvy, team-friendly deal that could pay dividends so long as the 29-year-old can stay healthy.
Don't be surprised if Jones claims a larger role in the back-end of Chicago's bullpen now that the team has reiterated its confidence in his abilities.
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