White Sox' Chase Meidroth has 'chance to break camp' with the big league club in the spring
It’s safe to say the White Sox did pretty well for themselves with the package of players they got back from the Red Sox for ace lefty Garrett Crochet.
Chicago landed four players in the swap: top catching prospect Kyle Teel, outfield prospect Braden Montgomery, infield prospect Chase Meidroth, and right-handed pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez.
Of the four players the White Sox acquired in the deal, Meidroth has a real shot to break camp and make the 26-man roster. The 23-year-old had a big season for the WooSox last year, slashing. 293/.437/.837 with 20 doubles, seven home runs, 105 walks, and 13 stolen bases in 122 games. His 105 walks led the minor leagues, and his .437 on-base percentage ranked third and his on-base percentage was 35 points higher than the next-closest International League hitter.
The Calif. native played all over the WooSox' infield, seeing time at second base, shortstop, and third base. Injuries nagged the infielder, missing time with lower-body issues, and his skipper, Chad Tracy, would rest him in series play to try and keep him fresh. His versatility and incredible eye at the plate should immediately catapult him into the conversation as a player to make the White Sox 26-man roster.
Once the offseason began, Meidroth immediately became a potential trade candidate due to the Red Sox logjam of infielders at the big league level. His strong season at Triple-A increased his trade value, which attracted White Sox general manager Chris Getz as he continues his rebuild.
“It’s a well-rounded offensive approach,” Getz said of Meidroth following the Crochet trade. “His on-base ability, his contact skills, and the versatility allow him to get some at-bats. We’ll see how the rest of his offseason goes and see him in spring training. He’s got a chance to break (spring camp) with the team.”
Meidroth has one of the best hit tools in the minors, never chasing and consistently making contact with pitches in the zone. This bodes well for him to hit for a high average and offers the potential to get on base if he makes it to the majors.
“While it wasn't universal, Meidroth was generally viewed as a top-10 prospect across the industry based on the high floor as a nice big league role player who can play solid defense at a couple of positions and get on base,” wrote Alex Speier during his recent chat on Baseball America. “Given the Sox' middle infield group, he's certainly a guy who could be dealt—someone with comparable (perhaps slightly greater, given the defense) trade value to Nick Yorke at the deadline.”
The White Sox' new versatile infielder will join the likes of Jacob Amaya, Colson Montgomery, Braden Shewmake, Lenny Sosa, and Brooks Baldwin for a spot on the active roster. All of those players mentioned are on the White Sox 40-man roster. Meidroth has not yet been added and is currently listed at Triple-A Charlotte.
Getz said the White Sox believe Meidroth has a chance to break camp, offering Chicago the ability to slide into the major league lineup right away after a really good offensive 2024 season at Triple-A.
"We want these guys ready to go in spring training, competing for spots," said Getz.
When Meidroth does get his opportunity at the bigs, Chicago and their fans will have a player that will take professional at-bats, that will get on base, and can play multiple positions. The young and rebuilding White Sox might be the perfect landing spot for Meidroth as he begins his Major League career.
