There were some rumblings about this over the weekend, and last night it became official: Alex Rios is now a member of the Chicago White Sox via a waiver claim. But with him comes around a $62 million pricey salary, which goes all the way through 2014.

He’s having a down year, as his slash line of .264/.317 /.427 is below his career averages. He crowds the outfield and the lineup. His career on-base percentage is .335. Some were confused by the move. I don’t blame them.

But for all the negatives and the salary risk, there’s plenty for the Sox to gain from this. Let me count the ways:

• Kenny Williams said the Sox were looking to acquire him at the trade deadline. Instead, the Sox gave up nothing. Alex Rios is 28 years old and in his prime.
• For all the unexpected good Scott Podsednik has brought this year, his last two weeks haven’t been as hot. His fielding has been suspect all season. Rios automatically comes in as the best glove in the outfield. By far. His career defensive numbers are very good. (Though, his UZR this year is nothing special.) Podsednik was nothing but a band-aid this season. Don’t expect him to be back next year now that Rios is on the team.
• Options are good. Carlos Quentin’s health has been shaky this year. Jermaine Dye needs days off. An outfield of Quentin/Dye/Rios/Podsednik is better than one featuring Quentin/Dye/Podsednik/Dewayne Wise. It just is.
• This frees up the Sox this offseason. The big three of Jermaine Dye (mutual $12 million dollar option after this season with a $1 million buyout attached), Jim Thome (free agent after this season) and Paul Konerko (free agent after 2010 season) have an inevitable breakup coming soon. Over on our Sox blog, Alex breaks down who is likely to stay and go. If the Sox part ways with either Dye or Thome, that frees up some salary to ease the pain of the Rios and Jake Peavy deals. It also makes room for Rios.

This wasn’t a blockbuster move by any means, but getting a guy you want for nothing, one that can steal bases, field his position well and can hit for decent power is never a bad thing.