The White Sox continue to add pitching depth to their system.
According to multiple reports, the team has agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Cory Abbott. He has since been assigned to Triple-A Charlotte and can earn $800,000 if he is called up to the majors this season, per MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams.
Abbott, 28, began the season with the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma before the organization released him on April 4th. The right-hander tossed just three innings in his lone start, allowing three earned runs on four hits and two walks while recording two strikeouts.
In each of the past three seasons, Abbott has found his way to the majors, splitting time between the Cubs and Nationals. However, the righty’s numbers have not been impressive since his 2021 debut with the North Side team. Abbot owns an uninspiring 6.02 ERA, 1.596 WHIP, 20.2% strikeout rate and 11.4% walk rate in 104.2 innings logged.
Abbott was once a notable prospect in the Cubs organization, ranking as high as No. 8 by Baseball America. Since then, he hasn’t found consistent success beyond the Double-A level and has often been plagued by his high walk rate despite his intriguing swing-and-miss capability. This signing by the White Sox is their typical low-risk one where they’ll see if they can turn Abbott into a potential major-league piece, especially considering the unpredictability of the pitching staff as the season goes on.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Abbott is out of options if he does make it back to the majors, but has just over a year of service time and years of potential club control. For now, he will work with the Charlotte Knights staff and look to find his footing after years of struggles.
As we get additional information, we’ll provide further updates!
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th and @PipelineTo35th for more updates!
Featured Photo: © Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
