White Sox Make First Trade Under New General Manager Chris Getz
Acquisition of Pitching and Infield Talent Sets Stage for Ongoing Roster Retooling
CHICAGO – In his first trade as White Sox general manager, Chris Getz has made a significant move to kickstart the team’s ongoing roster retooling. The trade, completed on Thursday night, sent veteran reliever Aaron Bummer to the Braves in exchange for a package of players.
After a disappointing 61-101 season in 2023, the White Sox had several positions to address, including shortstop, second base, right field, catcher, and starting pitcher. The acquisition of right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka, left-hander Jared Shuster, infielders Nicky Lopez and Braden Shewmake, and Minor League right-hander Riley Gowens helps to fill those gaps.
The White Sox received RHP Mike Soroka, INF Nicky Lopez, LHP Jared Shuster, SS Braden Shewmake, and RHP Riley Gowens in the trade, while the Braves acquired LHP Aaron Bummer.
“This is a foundational move for us,” said Getz during a Zoom call with the media. “And I look forward to adding to what we just acquired.”
Bummer, known for his dominant sinker and clubhouse presence, should be a valuable addition to the National League East champions. The 30-year-old lefty is under contract through 2024, with club options for ’25 and ’26.
Getz revealed that there was significant interest in Bummer from other teams, dating back to the 2023 Trade Deadline. However, the players offered by Braves’ President of Baseball Operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos made the most sense for the White Sox’s current position.
Nicky Lopez, who previously played for the Royals, is expected to bridge the gap at shortstop between Tim Anderson and top prospect Colson Montgomery. Lopez’s defensive prowess will help solidify the team’s infield. Since the start of 2020, Lopez ranks 10th in baseball with 31 outs above average, according to Fangraphs.
Michael Soroka, who missed most of the past two seasons due to injury, will join Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech in the White Sox rotation. Over his career with the Braves, Soroka has a 17-8 record and a 3.32 ERA in 44 games. Despite a challenging return season, Getz sees upside in Soroka’s performance.
Jared Shuster, who split the 2023 season between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, and Braden Shewmake, who spent most of the season in the minors, also add depth to the White Sox pitching staff and infield.
With this trade, the White Sox have signaled that they are open for business, with Getz willing to listen to offers for any player on the roster. Getz emphasized the importance of having a clear understanding of the team’s short-term and long-term goals in order to make sound decisions.
The White Sox’s offseason retooling is off to a promising start, and fans can expect further moves as Getz continues to shape the team for success in the 2024 season and beyond.