One White Sox trade from last year is officially a bust. Per Ian Eskridge of FutureSox, the organization has released right-handed pitcher Anthony Hoopii-Tuioneoa, a reliever prospect who joined the organization just over a year ago.
Promising Start
The White Sox acquired Hoopii-Tuionetoa in May last year from the Texas Rangers in exchange for veteran outfielder Robbie Grossman. After signing Grossman in late March, the White Sox shipped him off after just 25 games. Chicago was looking to get younger, while Texas wanted Grossman for his switch-hitting and ability to play all three outfield positions. It appeared to be a win/win trade.
At the time, acquiring Hoopii-Tuionetoa looked like a shrewd move by White Sox general manager Chris Getz. Hoopii-Tuionetoa had excellent numbers for the Double-A Birmingham Barons following the trade, including a 3.24 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 3.59 FIP, and 8.3 K/9 in 23 games. The 24-year-old right-hander was subsequently promoted to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He struggled at that level, allowing 13 runs in just 8.2 innings. Still, the White Sox appeared to have landed a future bullpen arm for a veteran rental outfielder.
Mysterious Whereabouts
However, Hoopii-Tuionetoa’s status this season has been cloudy to say the least. He has not pitched at all in 2025 and spent the beginning part of the season on the restricted list. Eskridge further clarified that Hoopii-Tuioneoa was assigned to the Arizona Complex League in mid-June, but he never appeared in an official game in that league either.
No word has come out as to why he has not pitched. He does not appear to be hurt, and this sudden release adds further intrigue to his situation. Interestingly enough, Trey McGough, the left-handed reliever the White Sox got from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Eloy Jiménez at last year’s trade deadline, also departed the organization suddenly earlier this year when he voluntarily announced his retirement.
Even more puzzling is that the White Sox bullpen has been a revolving door all season. The team has been swapping pitchers to and from Triple-A to find a successful combination to hold leads late in games. Hoopii-Tuionetoa and McGough both likely would have gotten an opportunity in Chicago had they waited it out, but now we will never know.
Final Word
Robbie Grossman for Anthony Hoopii-Tuioneoa was a low-profile trade even at the time. Swaps involving veteran rental outfielders and minor league relievers typically don’t generate much buzz. Still, it is unfortunate that this trade has run its course without seeing Hoopii-Tuioneoa get an opportunity at the MLB level. It is a mysterious situation with more questions than answers.
