Timothy Elko: Everything you need to know

Elko (knee) agreed to a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Sunday, Jack Ankony of SI.com reports. The 26-year-old hit the opening market in November after Chicago elected not to tender him a contract for 2026, but he's now back with the organization on a minor-league deal. Elko underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee after the season, so he'll be unavailable for at least the first few months of the 2026 campaign.

The White Sox did not tender Elko (knee) a contract for 2026 on Friday, making him a free agent. Elko made his MLB debut in 2025 and had a .134/.194/.328 slash line in 72 plate appearances. He underwent surgery in October to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, so he'll be unavailable to begin the 2026 campaign.

Elko is expected to be sidelined for eight months following surgery Tuesday to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. Elko was diagnosed with a right knee sprain July 11 and was sidelined for three-plus weeks. He did not miss any additional time after that, but a recent exam evidently revealed the need for surgery. With Elko slated to be out until around midseason of next year, he'll likely be placed on the 60-day injured list during spring training.