Adam LaRoche likely to retire from baseball after thinking it over – CBSSports.com

Presumed White Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche came to camp Tuesday with the intention of retiring and though it appears he’ll take his teammates up on their request to give it a few days before deciding, it sounds like he’s close to having already made up his mind.

The pertinent reports:

Adam LaRoche has told White Sox he plans to step away from baseball. Teammates asked him to sleep on it, but he’s confident in decision.

— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) March 15, 2016

Adam LaRoche said it’s a personal issue. Out of respect for team, he will consider request before talking on subject in a couple of days.

— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) March 15, 2016

LaRoche is 36 years old and was suffering through back spasms this spring. Late last week, he said the only thing that really bothers his back is swinging the bat. Given his expected role with the White Sox this year, that’s obviously far from ideal.

Let us also note that LaRoche has made over $70 million in his playing career and is coming off a pretty terrible year with the bat.

Given the confluence of everything here, retirement isn’t too shocking an option for the veteran.

LaRoche would, however, forgo his $13 million salary for 2016 if he does indeed retire.

In a career that has spanned parts of 12 seasons, LaRoche hit .260/.336/.462 (111 OPS+) with 340 doubles and 255 homers. Six times he homered at least 25 times in a season. He won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in 2012 and has played in 17 postseason games. He never made the World Series, but otherwise carved out a very admirable big-league career. If this is it for him, he certainly should be proud.

As for the White Sox, it would appear they can draw a DH from either Avisail Garcia or Melky Cabrera (whoever isn’t starting in right field). Tyler Saladino (if he’s not starting over Jimmy Rollins at shortstop) and J.B. Shuck are other options. Dioner Navarro could be if they wanted to risk their backup catcher sitting in the DH spot. Jerry Sands is another option in camp.