The White Sox have unloaded one of their two big trade chips.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the White Sox have traded reliever Gregory Santos to the Seattle Mariners to RHP Prelander Berroa, OF Zach DeLoach, and the 69th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. The White Sox have not yet confirmed this trade.
It’s quite the haul for the White Sox after giving up a reliever with five seasons of control remaining. Berroa, 23, made his major league debut last season, throwing just 1.2 innings across two appearances. He skipped Triple-A entirely and threw 65.1 innings last season – including five starts. He had a 2.89 ERA/2.88 FIP in those 43 appearances, striking out a ridiculous 36.6% of hitters but walking 14.1% of them. He could likely get a shot at the major league bullpen this season.
DeLoach, 25, might end up making the opening-day roster as the White Sox’ right fielder. The left-handed hitting outfielder had a strong season in Triple-A, hitting .286/.387/.481 in 138 games. In what has become a tight outfield in Seattle, it makes sense to move from a position of strength.
The White Sox have also acquired the 69th pick in the upcoming draft – as a reminder, only compensatory round picks can be traded, which this pick qualifies as. This pick lands right before the third round of the draft begins.
The most affected player by this trade is likely Gavin Sheets, who was slotted in as the team’s starting right fielder at this point in the offseason. As for Santos, who was acquired from the Giants last offseason and broke out to the tune of a 3.39 ERA/2.65 FIP in 66.1 IP, he will get to pitch for a team vying for the playoffs. His contract control garnered this sort of return for the White Sox.
The White Sox also need to open up two 40-man roster spots as a result of this move.
Follow us @SoxOn35th for more throughout the offseason
Featured Image: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
