White Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche said Tuesday that he plans to step away from baseball following a personal issue.
The 12-year major league veteran said he is confident in his decision, but his teammates asked him to reconsider during a nearly two-hour-long team meeting at Camelback Ranch on Tuesday morning.
LaRoche, 36, said out of respect for the Sox he will consider their requests before talking more on the subject.
"I'm confident I am stepping away from baseball," LaRoche said. "My teammates have asked me for an hour (to reconsider). I've tried to convince them I am convinced, but I will do them that, and give it a day or two, and then come back in and finish the story."
LaRoche had played in just two spring training games this year before being sidelined with back spasms. He homered in his first game and was 1-for-5.
Sox manager Robin Ventura had said Sunday that LaRoche planned to return to the lineup Monday, but LaRoche didn't play in the game against the Royals. LaRoche walked into the Sox clubhouse about 9 a.m. Tuesday in street clothes, accompanied by his son Drake, who has a locker at the Sox's spring training and home facilities.
"I didn't come in yesterday because I wanted to make sure it was the right move and not make an emotional decision, but I'm confident it is," LaRoche said.
LaRoche joined the Sox on a two-year, $25 million contract before the 2015 season, but his first season with the Sox was one of the more frustrating of his career. He hit .207 with 12 home runs, 44 RBIs and 133 strikeouts.
At the beginning of spring, he spoke about the tough season, which included battling tendinosis in his knee late in the year. But he also said he entered camp in great shape following an offseason that included CrossFit training.
"It was draining," LaRoche said then of 2015. "I really don't want to go through that again."
He is a career .260 hitter with 255 home runs and 882 RBIs over his time with the Braves, Pirates, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Nationals and White Sox.
LaRoche's retirement would leave the Sox without a designated hitter. The club has a surplus of outfielders with the addition of Austin Jackson last week, and they could use Avisail Garcia or Melky Cabrera in a DH role.