With just one final off day before the beginning of the second half, the White Sox made three official roster moves that included an interesting signing:
- Signed infielder Nick Senzel to an MLB contract
- Optioned infielder Lenyn Sosa to AAA-Charlotte
- Designated infielder Danny Mendick for assignment
With these moves, the White Sox’ roster sits at 39 – with Yoan Moncada expected to return to the roster in the coming days. Moncada has been rehabbing in Arizona and has a 207 wRC+ in five games in the Complex League.
Jon Heyman first broke the news of the Senzel signing on Tuesday night.
Senzel, 29, is a former second-overall draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2016 who has yet to live up to that draft potential. In 1,601 career plate appearances, Senzel has hit .235/.302/.368, good for a 78 wRC+. He spent the 2024 season with the Nationals before his release, hitting .209/.303/.359 with the highest wRC+ of his career – still at just 89. He has typically hit better against LHP than RHP for his career, with a career 106 wRC+ against LHP compared to a 67 wRC+ against RHP.
Senzel is likely to fill as a stopgap as the White Sox begin to trade off some of their more interesting pieces. Once players such as Tommy Pham, Erick Fedde, Paul DeJong, and others are traded, simply put, someone is going to have to play every day. Senzel fits this mold with a history of playing 2B, 3B, and the outfield.
The only other surprise here, a bit, is Sosa, who had been playing much better baseball as of late. Over his past 15 games, the 24-year-old has hit /293/.338/.448 with a 119 wRC+. He will likely get more chances once the roster clears out a bit.
Separately, it came out from The Athletic that veteran catcher Martin Maldonaldo would also be designated for assignment. The White Sox have yet to make this move official, though it is expected that Chuckie Robinson will be promoted from Triple-A Charlotte to fill his place.
As we get additional information, we’ll provide further updates!
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Featured Image: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
