As we get closer to Spring Training, many teams, including the White Sox, will add players on minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training. The White Sox have had some notable non-roster invitees over the past few years, most recently Joey Gallo and Mike Moustakas. Unfortunately, neither made the team out of camp. However, many players have gone on to make the team as non-roster invitees and have contributed to the team.
The White Sox have a few non-roster players already invited to Spring Training, but they will likely add a few more as we get closer to players reporting to Arizona.
The White Sox appear to be close on another player joining that list, as Mark Gonzales, a senior writer for Grand Canyon University, is reporting that the White Sox are close to adding Darren Baker on a minor league deal.
Hearing Darren Baker is close to a minor league agreement with the @whitesox
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) January 23, 2026
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This is a very interesting move, as Darren is the son of legendary player and coach Dusty Baker. With the current makeup of the team, Baker will likely be competing for a utility spot in Spring Training. If he doesn’t make the team, he could be one of the first players up if there is an injury, as he has played both infield and the outfield.
Baker, now 26, will be 27 when the season starts. He made his major league debut last season with the Washington Nationals and had a fantastic start to his major league career. In nine games with the Nationals, Baker went 7 for 14 at the plate, scoring one run.
Dusty Baker’s son Darren Baker has his first MLB hit! The Baker baseball legacy continues pic.twitter.com/1hIecdpnZS
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) September 1, 2024
Outside of his short major league stint, Baker played a majority of his 2025 season with the Nationals AAA affiliate. In 107 games, Baker slashed .256/.343/.318, adding one homerun, 25 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. Overall in his minor league career, he has slashed .280/.347/.347, stealing 102 bases over 453 games.
Baker isn’t know for his power, but has a tendency to get on base and use his speed when he gets on base. With the White Sox having most of the roster set, it may be an uphill climb for him to make the team out of Spring Training. However, he will bring solid depth to the organization and should play well in AAA, with the potential to get some run in Chicago.
