The Chicago White Sox announced that infielder Nicky Lopez and left-hander Sammy Peralta have cleared waivers and chosen free agency over outright assignments. This move reduces the team’s 40-man roster to 36 players.
There were no prior indications that either player had been in danger of being removed from the roster. However, this time of year often sees teams make adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming Rule 5 protection deadline on November 19th. With clubs vying to protect young prospects from the draft, roster spots become highly competitive, increasing the likelihood of players being designated for assignment and subsequently passing through waivers unclaimed.
Lopez, who will turn 30 in March, is known as a glove-first utility player with a respectable track record. Acquired by the White Sox in November 2023 as part of the trade that sent Aaron Bummer to Atlanta, he appeared in 124 games for Chicago this year. Despite his solid defensive abilities, Lopez struggled at the plate, managing only one home run in 445 plate appearances and posting a .241/.312/.294 slash line. This translated to a 77 wRC+, indicating he was 23% below league average offensively.
Lopez’s career batting average currently sits at .248/.312/.314, equivalent to a 73 wRC+. While his versatility allows him to play all four infield positions and even limited outfield time, alongside some stolen base production, his hitting remains a significant weakness. He has only managed seven homers in 2,346 career plate appearances.
The White Sox could have retained Lopez for one more season through arbitration. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected his salary at $5.1 million. However, it appears the White Sox were not planning to retain him. With sufficient service time, Lopez had the right to reject an outright assignment, leading him to test the open market. He is likely to attract interest from teams seeking a depth infielder, potentially through minor league or guaranteed major league contracts.
Peralta, who turned 27 in May, was first added to Chicago’s roster in May 2023 but experienced a tumultuous back-and-forth with the organization. He was designated for assignment in March, acquired by the Seattle Mariners through waivers, only to return to the White Sox via another waiver claim in May. Shortly after his second stint with Chicago, he was again placed on waivers and cleared before being outrighted to Triple-A in June. A subsequent recall reinstated him to the 40-man roster but now, for a second time, Peralta has been outrighted.
Throughout these transactions, Peralta pitched 35 innings at the major league level, posting a 4.37 ERA with a 17.9% strikeout rate and an 11.1% walk rate. Over the past three years in Triple-A, he has thrown 125 2/3 innings with a 4.80 ERA, complemented by a 24.1% strikeout rate and an 8.8% walk rate.
As this is his second outright assignment during his career, Peralta has the right to elect free agency, which he has chosen to do. He will now pursue opportunities with other clubs around the league and is likely to focus on minor league contracts.
# White Sox Roster Shakeup: Lopez and Peralta Elect Free Agency
The Chicago White Sox roster is undergoing a shakeup as two key players, Nicky Lopez and Sammy Peralta, have elected free agency. This move leaves the team with 36 players remaining on their active roster, setting the stage for potential offseason acquisitions and trades.
## Analyzing the Departures: Lopez and Peralta’s Contributions
Lopez, primarily known for his defensive prowess at second base, had a solid season with the White Sox in 2023. He consistently showcased his ability to make difficult plays and contribute valuable stability to the infield. While his offensive production wasn’t as explosive, Lopez remained a reliable contributor, often coming through with clutch hits and timely scoring opportunities.
Peralta, on the other hand, emerged as a reliable arm in the White Sox bullpen. His diverse pitch arsenal and ability to generate ground balls made him a valuable asset late in games. Peralta consistently demonstrated strong control and composure, pitching effectively in high-pressure situations.
## The Impact on the 2024 Roster
The departures of Lopez and Peralta create immediate gaps within the White Sox roster. The team will need to find suitable replacements who can fill these roles effectively.
* **Infield Options:** With Lopez’s departure, the White Sox must consider their options at second base. Will they look to promote a prospect from within the organization or pursue a free agent signing?
* **Bullpen Reinforcement:** Peralta’s reliable presence in the bullpen will be missed. The team could seek out a veteran reliever with experience closing games or focus on developing young arms within the system.
## Free Agency Outlook: Potential Destinations for Lopez and Peralta
Both Lopez and Peralta are attractive free agent targets who could command significant interest from other teams.
* **Lopez:** Teams looking for a solid defensive second baseman with potential offensive upside may see Lopez as a valuable addition. He could be a good fit for clubs seeking stability at the keystone position.
* **Peralta:** Peralta’s impressive run prevention capabilities and ability to handle high-leverage situations make him an appealing option for teams needing bullpen depth.
## The White Sox’s Offseason Strategy
With 36 players remaining on their active roster, the Chicago White Sox have several options as they navigate the upcoming offseason:
* **Player Acquisitions:** The team could explore free agency, trades, or international signings to fill the gaps left by Lopez and Peralta. They may target specific positions of need or seek out versatile players who can contribute in multiple roles.
* **Roster Development:** The White Sox have a strong farm system with several talented prospects who could be ready for major league opportunities. The team may choose to promote some of these prospects to fill roster spots or use them as trade assets in future deals.
* **Strategic Trades:** The White Sox could look to make strategic trades involving their remaining players to acquire talent they believe will improve the team’s chances of success in the coming seasons.
