Tue May 27 19:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**White Sox Trade Catcher Matt Thaiss to Rays for Outfielder Dru Baker**
**CHICAGO, IL – May 27, 2025** – The Chicago White Sox have announced the trade of catcher Matt Thaiss to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league outfielder Dru Baker. The move, announced by both clubs this afternoon, sees the White Sox reduce their 40-man roster to 39 players.
To make room for Thaiss on their 40-man roster, the Rays have placed outfielder Jonny DeLuca on the 60-day injured list. Tampa Bay will also need to clear a spot on their active roster once Thaiss reports to the team.
Thaiss, 30, was acquired by the White Sox in the offseason from the Chicago Cubs. In 35 games with the Sox, he recorded a single home run but demonstrated a keen eye at the plate, walking in 20.9% of his plate appearances compared to a 19.1% strikeout rate. Despite questions about his defensive abilities behind the plate, Thaiss has proven to be a competent contributor.
The trade allows the White Sox to reinstate catcher Korey Lee from the injured list, who had been sidelined with a left ankle sprain since April 10th. The transaction signals the team’s commitment to prioritizing younger talent, with Lee set to share catching duties with top prospect Edgar Quero. Another highly touted catching prospect, Kyle Teel, is also performing well in Triple-A and could be called up to the majors soon.
With the emergence of these prospects and the return of Lee, the White Sox deemed Thaiss, who was out of options, expendable. The acquisition of Dru Baker provides additional depth in the outfield for the White Sox farm system.
First Piper 