The Chicago White Sox have traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league outfielder Dru Baker, with both teams confirming the deal recently. To accommodate Thaiss on their roster, the Rays moved outfielder Jonny DeLuca to the 60-day injured list, as Baker was not on their 40-man roster. The Rays will need to create an active roster spot once Thaiss officially joins the club, while the White Sox reinstated catcher Korey Lee from the injured list to fill the vacancy.
Background on Matt Thaiss’s Season and Performance
Matt Thaiss, 30, had been acquired by the White Sox during the offseason after Chicago sent cash considerations to the Cubs. Over 35 games with the White Sox, Thaiss appeared at the plate 110 times, showing some encouraging results despite limited power, hitting just one home run. Notably, his plate discipline stood out, as he walked more frequently than he struck out, drawing walks in 20.9% of his appearances compared to a strikeout rate of 19.1%.
This represents a marked improvement over his previous offensive seasons with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023 and 2024, where across 493 plate appearances he posted a 13% walk rate but also a much higher strikeout rate of 28.6%. Thaiss’s movement between teams continued in the offseason, having been traded from the Angels to the Cubs before ultimately landing with the White Sox.
Defensive Capabilities and Catching Role Uncertainty
Despite offensive progress, Thaiss’s defensive contributions remain less certain. Evaluations from Baseball Prospectus and Statcast rate his blocking and throwing as adequate but criticize his framing skills, calling them subpar. FanGraphs offers a slightly more positive assessment for 2025, rating him above average as a framer, though his overall defense has not been regarded as excellent throughout his career.
During the 2025 campaign, Thaiss shared catching duties with Korey Lee, but the White Sox’s long-term plan appears focused on their top catching prospects Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel, both of whom are pushing for major league roles. Lee, who spent time on the injured list with a left ankle sprain starting April 10, has returned, with Quero also active, and Teel progressing strongly at Triple-A. These circumstances, combined with Thaiss being out of minor league options, contributed to his departure.
Rays’ Catching Situation and Rationale for Acquiring Thaiss
The Tampa Bay Rays have relied primarily on Danny Jansen and Ben Rortvedt as their main catchers this season. Jansen’s performance has notably improved, reaching a .200/.333/.336 slash line, translating to a 103 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). In contrast, Rortvedt has struggled offensively, posting a .187/.277/.266 slash line and a 61 wRC+ over his big league career with limited playing time this year.
Given Rortvedt is out of options, the Rays may consider waiving him once Thaiss joins the team. With Jansen signed on a one-year contract, Thaiss presents a potential longer-term option, entering his first arbitration-eligible season in 2025. Should he perform well, Thaiss could extend his stay with Tampa Bay into 2026.
Dru Baker’s Profile and Future with the White Sox
Dru Baker, swapped to Chicago in this trade, is a 25-year-old outfielder selected by the Rays in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. While his bat has slowed at the upper levels of the minors, Baker remains a capable outfielder. Since his promotion to Double-A in August 2023, he has hit for a combined .280/.345/.338 slash line, including a .245/.344/.302 mark at Triple-A.
Speed is a significant asset for Baker, demonstrated by his 49 stolen bases in 2023 and 42 in 2024. The White Sox likely view him as a potential speedy bench outfielder, with hopes his offense develops further. The trade appears to be a strategic move by Chicago, who may have been poised to release Thaiss but instead chose to acquire a prospect with upside.
Roster Adjustments and Injured List Moves
To clear space for Thaiss, the Rays transferred Jonny DeLuca to the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder strain sustained in early April. His time on the injured list is retroactive, making him eligible for reinstatement on June 6. DeLuca recently began a rehab assignment and could return to the major league roster shortly after the eligibility date.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
This trade highlights the dynamic nature of roster management, with the White Sox prioritizing emerging catching prospects and the Rays aiming to solidify their behind-the-plate options during a competitive season. For Thaiss, a fresh opportunity with Tampa Bay could extend his major league career if he can contribute offensively and defensively.
Chicago’s acquisition of Baker reflects their interest in adding a speedy, versatile option for the outfield depth chart, which could bolster their bench with potential long-term value. Meanwhile, the Rays will closely monitor Thaiss’s integration, potentially reshaping their catching tandem and depth chart for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.