The Chicago White Sox locked in a key piece of their bullpen for the next three years, announcing Thursday that right-hander Nate Jones had agreed to an $8 million extension that could escalate to $26.3 million over six years if certain parameters are met.
"We're definitely blessed and fortunate to be able to be a White Sox for this long," Jones said. "For them to be able to think of me in this type of way, and to make this commitment to me -- it's an early Christmas present."
Jones made 19 appearances last season after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2014. He didn't allow a run in eight of his first nine appearances upon his return in August, finishing the season with a 3.32 ERA.
He made his major league debut with the White Sox in 2012 and has posted a 3.52 ERA over what has essentially been three seasons.
Jones made two appearances without recording an out to start the 2014 season as he struggled with hip and back ailments. He went on the disabled list and injured his elbow during the rehab process, requiring Tommy John surgery.
"They thought of me like this, and I'm going to give it everything I got, just like I did before," Jones said. "They very well could have gave up on me at any point, but they didn't. They stuck with me and they saw enough of results from last year when I came back and they liked what they saw. They know what kind of work ethic I have, and they know I'm going to give it everything I got all the time."
Under terms of the new contract, Jones will earn $900,000 in 2016 before getting a raise to $1.9 million in 2017 and $3.95 million in 2018. There are two team options and a mutual option on the back end of the contract.
"Nate is a homegrown pitcher with a power arm and tremendous work ethic, so we are excited to be able to reward him for what he has accomplished thus far in his career and potentially keep him in a White Sox uniform for the next six seasons," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement.
Chicago has options at the major league minimum for 2019, $3.75 million for 2020 and $4.25 million for 2021, but if Jones does not need another Tommy John surgery by the end of the 2018 season, the option prices would increase to $4.65 million for 2019 and $5.15 million for 2020, while 2021 would become a mutual option for $6 million. If a club option is declined, he would get a $1.25 million buyout.
Jones also has salary escalators if he is a closer, based on games finished. His salaries in 2017 and 2018 would go up by $100,000 each for 30 games finished and each additional five through 50 in the immediately preceding season. For 2019, his salary would go up by $100,000 apiece for 30 and each additional five through 50 in 2018 and $125,000 each for 55 and 60. For 2020 and 2021, his salaries would increase by $125,000 each for 30, 35, 40 and 45 in the immediately preceding season, $150,000 apiece for 50 and 55, and $200,000 for 60.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.