The chances of Alexei Ramirez returning to the South Side seem to be shrinking by the day.
On Friday, SB Nation's Chris Cotillo reported the San Diego Padres are talking with Ramirez's camp about a possible deal with the free agent.
Ramirez, 34, is coming off a season that saw him hit a career-low .249 with 10 home runs and 62 RBI. The South Siders have added two infield pieces, Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie, via trade this offseason and are expected to give Tyler Saladino the starting shortstop job.
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The White Sox had a $10 million club option on Ramirez earlier this offseason but the team declined the option and paid the $1 million buyout.
Ramirez has spent all eight of his MLB seasons with the White Sox.