The White Sox Make Moves to Strengthen Catcher Position
In a series of quick transactions, the Chicago White Sox have bolstered their roster with the acquisition of veteran catcher Max Stassi from the Atlanta Braves. The deal also includes some cash considerations, and both teams have officially confirmed the trade.
According to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times, the Braves will be covering the majority of Stassi’s $7MM salary for the upcoming season, making it an advantageous move for the White Sox.
Stassi, set to turn 33 in March, had a whirlwind of a day as he was traded from the Angels to the Braves in a multi-player deal only to find himself with the White Sox within 24 hours. With the departure of Yasmani Grandal in free agency, the White Sox identified a need for a veteran presence behind the plate to partner with young catcher Korey Lee. Stassi could potentially step into a regular role and provide stability for the team in the 2024 season.
Despite missing the entirety of the 2023 season, Stassi has proven himself to be a quality and reliable catcher in recent years. He made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Astros and found his niche as a backup in the 2018 season. Stassi’s strong performance in the 2020 and 2021 seasons earned him an extension with the Angels, but he struggled in 2022, leading to the trade to the Braves and eventually the White Sox.
For the Braves, the trade allows them to clear a portion of Stassi’s salary while also streamlining their roster. With an already strong catching duo in Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud, Stassi became surplus to requirements for Atlanta. The trade, alongside other recent transactions, has seen the Braves shave off payroll while adding depth to their roster.
The addition of Stassi brings experience and potential upside to the White Sox, while the Braves continue to make moves to improve their roster heading into the 2024 season.