It didn’t take long for last year’s Adrian Houser trade to age poorly for the White Sox. Curtis Mead, the centerpiece of the return from the Rays in that trade, was designated for assignment this afternoon as the team unveiled their Opening Day roster. As one of the final cuts, his future with the team is now uncertain.
The hope was that Mead, a former top 100 prospect with the Rays, would blossom with a change of scenery and more consistent playing time in Chicago. It didn’t play out like that. Across 41 games with the White Sox following the trade, he slashed just .240/.280/.304 in 132 plate appearances. He performed slightly better this spring, but it ultimately was not enough to secure his spot. The construction of the White Sox roster also did not work in Mead’s favor. With Lenyn Sosa locked in as a right-handed-hitting infielder, it always felt like a long shot that Mead would make the team given his somewhat redundant skill set. The White Sox really needed only one of them, and Sosa got the job based on the improvements he showed last season.
The team will now either have to find a trade partner for Mead or place him on waivers. It’s possible he could remain with the organization and go to Triple-A if he goes unclaimed, but the White Sox now risk losing him altogether by DFAing him.
Still a Glimmer of Hope
Despite the Mead news, the deal isn’t a complete loss yet. Right-handed pitchers Duncan Davitt and Ben Peoples were also in that trade, and both will likely start the season in Triple-A Charlotte as depth options. Davitt in particular could see time on the South Side later in 2026. While his 5.03 ERA in nine starts with the Knights is nothing special, he recorded a 1.30 WHIP in 48.1 innings, striking out 45. With the White Sox starting rotation full of question marks, Davitt could get his chance if he gets off to a strong start with Charlotte.
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Lose/Lose Trade as of Now
As for Houser, he also did not live up to expectations with the Rays. After dominating in 11 starts with the White Sox prior to the trade, he put up a mediocre 4.79 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in ten starts with Tampa Bay. The Rays ended up winning only 77 games and as a rental, his stay in Tampa ultimately ended up being a short one. He departed the team following the 2025 season, signing a two-year/$22 million contract with the Giants this past winter.
The Adrian Houser trade looked to be a win for both teams at the time it was made. The White Sox were able to flip a low-cost acquisition for three young players, while the Rays got a pitcher having a great season to boost their playoff chances. In hindsight, however, it’s safe to say the trade has been a bust for both teams to this point.
