The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday that infielder Jacob Amaya has been designated for assignment, making room on the roster for Chase Meidroth, who has returned from the 10-day injured list. This change reflects the team’s decision to adjust after Amaya’s offensive struggles this season.

Performance and Roster Challenges for Amaya

The 26-year-old Amaya has appeared in 37 games for the White Sox in 2024, primarily playing shortstop in the middle infield. Despite displaying adequate defensive skills, he has struggled significantly at the plate, posting a .106 batting average with a .139 on-base percentage and .121 slugging percentage over 73 plate appearances. With no remaining minor league options, Chicago was unable to send him directly to the minors, forcing them to designate him for assignment and expose him to waivers.

Prior Transactions and Career Overview

This marks the third time in 2024 and the second time this season that the White Sox have designated Amaya for assignment. Earlier in May, he cleared waivers, was outrighted to Triple-A, and then recalled to the major league roster previously this month. Over parts of three major league seasons with the Marlins, Astros, and White Sox, Amaya has faced batting struggles with a career average of .147/.183/.161 across 154 plate appearances. However, he has shown more promise at the Triple-A level, posting a .250/.348/.388 slash line in 1,351 plate appearances at that level.

Waivers and Potential Next Steps for Amaya

The White Sox will place Jacob Amaya on waivers within the next five days, allowing other teams the opportunity to claim him. Should he go unclaimed, Amaya retains the option to reject an outright assignment back to Triple-A and pursue free agency instead, giving him a possible new path forward.