White Sox sign right-handed pitcher Yacksel Rios to minor league deal

Even though we’re in the midst of a lockout, the White Sox are still adding to their farm system.

The organization and right-handed pitcher Yacksel Rios have reportedly agreed to terms on a minor league contract. Rios’ agent first broke the news on Instagram last Wednesday, only for it to be confirmed on MLB.com the following day. For those wondering, the ongoing lockout has led to a transaction freeze at the major league level, but teams are still allowed to sign players to minor league deals – thus making this move permissible.

Rios, 28, was selected by the Phillies in the 12th round of the 2011 draft and eventually made it to the major leagues as a reliever in 2017. He’s since bounced around quite a bit and has spent parts of the last five years in the show. Overall, he owns a career 5.77 ERA (62 ER/96.2 IP) with 91 strikeouts, 50 walks, 77 ERA+, 5.37 FIP, and 1.50 WHIP in 89 major league games.

– June 7, 2011: Drafted by the Phillies in the 12th round of the 2011 amateur draft. Signed with the organization on June 13, 2011.

– August 22, 2017: Made his MLB debut with the Phillies.

– August 3, 2019: Selected off waivers by the Pirates from the Phillies.

– February 1, 2021: Signed as a Free Agent with the Rays.

– June 4, 2021: Purchased by the Mariners from the Rays.

– June 14, 2021: Purchased by the Red Sox from the Mariners.

– November 7, 2021: Granted Free Agency.

– December 3, 2021: Signed as a Free Agent with the White Sox.

Transaction history, courtesy of BaseballReference.com

Most recently, Rios went 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA (10 ER/24.1 IP) with 21 strikeouts, 14 walks, 1.110 WHIP, 4.90 FIP, and 129 ERA+ with the Red Sox in 2021. When it came time to make room on the 40-man in late September, he was designated for assignment and optioned to Triple-A before hitting the open market.

While his career walk and strikeout rates rank below league average, Rios provides the current bullpen with some depth at the Triple-A level. His stuff is intriguing enough for the White Sox to take a flier, featuring three different mid-90s fastballs along with a slider. Just note that Rios will need to be kept on the active roster next season or he will be exposed to waivers.

For more updates, be sure to follow us on social media @SoxOn35th!

Featured Photo: Phillies/Twitter