Workouts for pitchers and catchers are fully underway at Camelback Ranch as position players start to trickle in.
As we await the rest of the squad’s arrival on Monday, here are some of the latest storylines from the past few days.
Since our last update on Wednesday, the White Sox announced that they have agreed to terms with infielder Mike Moustakas on a minor-league deal. He will now be in camp as a non-roster invite as he attempts to make the major league squad.
Chris Getz on the Mike Moustakas signing. pic.twitter.com/nU6m0LG2Ba
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 15, 2024
Moustakas, 35, most recently slashed .236/.256/.371 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI over 112 games this past season between the Rockies and Angels. The three-time All-Star is most known for his stretch with the Kansas City, where he won a World Series with the club in 2015. Since then, he’s also made stops with the Brewers and Reds.
The White Sox could have a potential second-half addition to their rotation. Right-hander Davis Martin, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is throwing off a mound at camp. If all goes well, the team expects him to return sometime in mid-July.
Davis Martin, a capable sixth starter pre TJ surgery, throwing off mound Monday. Aiming for return mid-July. His (first) 4-month-old baby’s name is Doak, like the award.
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 15, 2024
Michael Kopech put in the work this offseason, saying he’s down 20 pounds entering the 2024 season.
“I know I have capabilities I haven’t shown at this level yet,” he told reporters. “There’s still that edge that I want to be able to provide to the team. Help the team compete to win a championship. In order to do that, I need to live up to my potential. That’s something is very much a focus of mine.”
Kopech. He’s 20 pounds lighter. pic.twitter.com/X3W4QCH0Zw
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 15, 2024
Starting pitcher Mike Soroka, who was part of the Aaron Bummer trade in November, discussed his time with the Braves as well as the mindset of the White Sox clubhouse.
“There’s a lot of guys in this clubhouse that are fighting for careers,” he told the media. ” There’s a lot of guys that think they have a lot more to give to this game, and that’s what makes a gritty team. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Michael Soroka. pic.twitter.com/iNU0hsqCW3
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 15, 2024
“I think that was a chip on our shoulder every year over there. We knew what we had. And I think there’s a group of people over here (with the Sox) that know this division is wide open and we can go take that.” (2/2)
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 15, 2024
As of Thursday, GM Chris Getz says the Orioles had not checked in on Dylan Cease.
Chris Getz said the Orioles, experiencing pitching injuries, hadn’t called when we talked to him an hour ago. On Dylan Cease:
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 15, 2024
“I know he’s well positioned for the season and he’s going to prepare for Opening Day. At this point, it looks like it’s going to be with the White Sox.”
Getz’s update came after news of Baltimore starting pitcher Kyle Bradish’s injury. According to Jeff Passan, Bradish is headed to the injured list with a tear in his UCL. Though the current plan is for him to continue throwing after receiving a PRP shot, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Orioles pursue another starting pitcher.
Tough news out of Orioles camp: Right-hander Kyle Bradish, who had the best second-half ERA in the American League among starters at 2.34, is hitting the injured list with a tear in his UCL. Bradish had a PRP shot, plans to continue throwing and will try to pitch through it.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 15, 2024
Do you feel like it’s inevitable that you’re going to get traded?
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 15, 2024
Dylan Cease on trade rumors, his White Sox future and more.
White Sox Talk Podcast.https://t.co/NZkLwcFUn6 pic.twitter.com/NEDNt4xcbj
Erick Fedde. pic.twitter.com/IySpJhOE1A
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 16, 2024
According to a new report by Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago White Sox and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf are prepared to ask for $1 billion in public funding from Governor J.B. Pritzker the state of Illinois to build their new stadium at ‘The 78’ location in the South Loop.
“The two (Reinsdorf and Related Midwest President Curt Bailey) are bullish they can win state support by arguing the stadium subsidies will bring along billions more in private investment, and the deal is structured in a way to not require new or increased taxes,” the report states.
Right-handed reliever Bryan Shaw is back with the White Sox, agreeing to a minor-league deal on Saturday morning. He will receive a non-roster invite, bringing to total number of players in camp to 70.
Shaw, 36, became somewhat of a regular fixture in the bullpen during the 2023 season. In 38 games, the righty had a 4.14 ERA over 45.2 innings, owning a 3.87 FIP, 1.226 WHIP, and 2.35 K/BB. Over his last 18 appearances, Shaw had a rather impressive 0.92 ERA and found his way into each of the final five games of the season.
Another international signing came to light on Saturday morning.
According to Francys Romero, the White Sox and Venezuelan outfielder Christian González made their deal official. He is expected to receive a $550,000 signing bonus.
Prospect Sicko content pic.twitter.com/mdSpSudKDM
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 15, 2024
A short-term way to keep Cease with the White Sox pic.twitter.com/mjLpXOm8QZ
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 15, 2024
A couple throws from Nick Nastrini’s bullpen, with a brief cameo appearance from the bee that won’t leave me alone pic.twitter.com/Vrf7B6EsEA
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) February 15, 2024
Soroka, Lambert. pic.twitter.com/APpOPfBurU
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 16, 2024
Moncada, Benintendi and Vaughn taking swings this morning. pic.twitter.com/QDfbCRzP6L
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 17, 2024
High fives from Colson Montgomery and Bryan Ramos. pic.twitter.com/SzmsqioGay
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 17, 2024
Time for PFPs: Michael Soroka, Dylan Cease, Shane Drohan, Jimmy Lambert @baseballinfocus @AP_Sports pic.twitter.com/Eq2GfstTHl
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 17, 2024
New White Sox catcher Martin Maldonado and son. pic.twitter.com/63A2cuzAw1
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) February 17, 2024
Colson Montgomery’s swing. pic.twitter.com/wC9fcM3waS
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) February 17, 2024
Wolkow got a nice greeting from Jim Thome, who might be a head shorter than him. pic.twitter.com/S3Fw1FmKmY
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) February 17, 2024
Jesse Chavez throwing a bullpen session to Martin Maldonado. That’s 77 combined yrs of life experience right there! pic.twitter.com/64ULpDulMk
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 17, 2024
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!