MLB Free Agents 2012: Do Any of the 4 Free Agents Return for Chicago White Sox?

The Chicago White Sox have four players who filed for free agency. Will any of those players be returning for another year on the South Side?

It's unlikely that GM Kenny Williams is planning any big-money signings this winter, which doesn't lead to a lot of optimism that the White Sox will put a high priority in bringing back most of their free agents. The lone exception to that may not be feasible to re-sign.

Here are the four players looking for contracts and the chances that they stay with the White Sox.

Ramon Castro

Castro was MIA for the second half of the season after a hand injury. Castro is a capable backup with a heavy bat and even heavier legs.

The fact that Chicago needs to make a decision regarding prospect Tyler Flowers is the primary factor in any possible return by Castro. If the team decides to get Flowers everyday time in Charlotte, they may retain Castro to back up A.J. Pierzynski.

It looks as if Flowers is going to serve as Pierzynski's backup right now, so I don't think we will see Castro in a White Sox uniform.

Juan Pierre

Pierre rebounded from a horrible start to post solid numbers in Chicago. He may find himself a suitor interested in what he brings to the leadoff spot.

That doesn't appear to be the White Sox, however.

Chicago has a glut of outfielders and shouldn't feel inclined to hold a spot in left for a poor defender with a worse throwing arm who has had long periods of slumping in the last two seasons. The White Sox have Alejandro De Aza and Dayan Viciedo to squeeze into the outfield situation.

Pierre is a professional and is well liked and respected in the White Sox clubhouse, but I'm not sure that will be enough to prompt Williams to pursue the veteran leadoff man.

Omar Vizquel

Vizquel is a player, much like Pierre, who conducts himself professionally and only makes the locker room a classier place to be. Also like Pierre, it looks like the White Sox have younger options at the utility infield spot.

Brent Lillibridge should be given more opportunities in the lineup. Chicago also has several young candidates to fill in around the infield as well. Osvaldo Martinez, who came over from the Marlins following Ozzie Guillen's departure, and Eduardo Escobar may also get a shot for a bench role.

I'd love to see Vizquel for another season in Chicago, but it's hard to be confident of his future in Chicago.

Mark Buehrle

Buehrle was offered a contract by the Marlins after hearing their sales pitch last week. The White Sox have little choice but to let him field offers and hope he decides to take a hometown discount.

It's quite the iffy proposition.

The Diamondbacks and Nationals also appear to have interest in the left-hander, according to The Chicago Tribune. He might look like a fit with Boston as well. Williams doesn't sound real upbeat on his ability to strike up a deal with Buehrle.

The Sox have Chris Sale waiting to enter the rotation and are already stuck with Jake Peavy's contract for another year. Unless Buehrle is willing to take far below market value for his services, he probably won't be back.

The Outlook

It looks as if Williams is looking to cut some salary to the tune of $15 million-$20 million this winter. Letting Buehrle and Pierre walk gives him a substantial jump on that goal.

Chicago has been a player in the free-agent market in the past. Without the money to shop, however, Williams is going to have to make some smaller deals to get the roster he wants in 2012.

That probably means saying goodbye to all four White Sox free agents.