Off-season
The Sox entered the off-season expecting to part ways with 3B Joe Crede, SS Orlando Cabrera, and CF Ken Griffey, Jr. They were expected to move Rookie of the Year runner-up Alexei Ramírez to shortstop, leaving openings at second base, center field, and third base. There may also be opening in the starting rotation as José Contreras is not expected to be back until after the all-star break, as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
- October 30, 2008 – Signed infielder Jayson Nix to a one-year deal. Declined 2009 options on catcher Toby Hall and Ken Griffey, Jr.
- November 13, 2008 – Traded 1B/OF Nick Swisher and minor league pitcher Kanekoa Texeira to the New York Yankees for utility man Wilson Betemit and minor league pitchers Jeffrey Marquez and Jhonny Núñez.
- December 2, 2008 – Traded SP Javier Vázquez and RP Boone Logan to the Atlanta Braves for INF Brent Lillibridge, C Tyler Flowers, 3B Jon Gilmore, and RP Santos Rodriguez.
- December 5, 2008 – Signed pitcher John Van Benschoten to a minor league contract.
- December 12, 2008 – Signed 3B Dayán Viciedo to a four-year $10 million contract.
- January 14, 2009 – Signed SP Bartolo Colón to a one-year deal.
Read more about this topic: 2009 Chicago White Sox Season