While many in baseball wondered if Chris Getz could overcome Garrett Crochet’s contract extension demands in finding a new suitor, the White Sox GM did find new homes for Eloy Jimenez and Tanner Banks.
Jimenez dealt to Baltimore
In a surprising move, Jimenez will join the Baltimore Orioles, viewed as a salary dump move by the White Sox. The oft-injured White Sox designated hitter batted .240/.297/.345 in 65 games this season with just five home runs and 16 RBI. While the hamstring injuries are a big concern for Jimenez, the Orioles will need to figure out how to fix the ground ball rate issue. In 2024, Jimenez’s GB% ballooned up to 60.1%. Also, it doesn’t help that with the Orioles moving their left wall back at Camden Yards, their ballpark has not been friendly to right-handed hitters.
The Orioles are sending AAA left-handed reliever Trey McGough to the White Sox. In 16 games with the Norfolk Tides, McGough has a 2.08 ERA in 34.2 innings with 31 strikeouts and 15 walks. On June 28 against the Charlotte Knights, McGough went 3.1 innings with 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 3 K.
Banks moving out to Philadelphia
Banks will be making his way to Philadelphia and join the Phillies bullpen. Since joining the White Sox in 2022 as a 30-year-old rookie, Banks appeared in 108 games, covering 162 innings with a 3.89 ERA. According to Baseball-Reference, Banks had a league average or better ERA+ each season. Early reports out of Philly suggest that Banks will be used as a long reliever and make a few spot starts during the regular season. He’s been especially tough on left-handed hitters with a career of .209/.269/.336 against.
Early reports from Jayson Stark of The Athletic suggest Philadelphia is sending a familiar type of prospect to the White Sox for Banks. Another 19-year-old second baseman in William Bergolla, who is hitting .295/.350/.385 in 67 games in high-A. The left-handed Bergolla has demonstrated good contact and on-base skills since joining the Phillies organization but little power, with just one home run in three seasons.
