The trade deadline isn’t for a few more months, but the White Sox are starting the action early this year. Matt Thaiss has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for outfield prospect Dru Baker, per a team announcement.
Thaiss’ White Sox Stint
Thaiss, 30, performed as advertised for the White Sox in what ended up being a relatively short stint with the team after being acquired from the Cubs for cash considerations last December. His walk rate was nearly 21% and he graded out as a quality blocker behind the plate. In addition, he provided a veteran presence alongside rookie Edgar Quero. Thaiss will now head to Tampa Bay as the Rays look to improve their catcher situation.
Baker’s Player Profile
Outfield prospect Dru Baker will head to Chicago in this trade. A former fourth-round pick by the Rays in 2021, the 25-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder has experience at all three outfield positions. Baker’s game is predicated on speed. He stole 49 bases in 120 games between High-A and Double-A in 2023 and 42 bases in 110 games in Double-A last year.
Baker has appeared in 17 Triple-A games this season, slashing .245/.344/.302. He hasn’t shown much power in the upper levels of the minors yet has gotten on base at a quality clip. Baker is currently on the minor league injured list but will provide much needed outfield depth when he returns. With Luis Robert Jr.’s name involved in trade rumors, Baker could be headed to Chicago soon.
White Sox Catcher Logjam
The timing of this trade is not a coincidence. Korey Lee’s rehab assignment was nearing its conclusion, and the White Sox had a logjam of catchers on the big league roster. Trading away Thaiss opened up a spot for Lee behind the plate, as he was reinstated from the 10-day injured list earlier today. This trade also opens up a more straightforward path for top catcher prospect Kyle Teel to eventually be called up. Between Lee, Teel, and Edgar Quero, the White Sox have no shortage of quality catchers on the roster. It is a position of strength heading into the future.
Win For The White Sox
The White Sox made a minimal investment in Matt Thaiss, but it ended up paying off. He served his purpose while Lee was hurt and fetched a young outfielder in exchange for his services. It is a minor trade in the big picture. However, getting a prospect back for a short-term placeholder who was initially acquired for cash considerations feels like a win for the White Sox.
