The Chicago White Sox continued their rebuild by trading veteran catcher Matt Thaiss to the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing space for the returning Korey Lee. Thaiss, despite a subpar batting average, had excelled with a high OBP. In return, the White Sox acquired outfielder Dru Baker, a former fourth-round draft pick known for his contact hitting and defensive skills. Baker has encountered struggles at higher minor league levels, yet his speed and plate discipline make him a desirable addition to the White Sox organization as they develop young talent.
Despite Thaiss's surprisingly good start, the White Sox faced a logjam at the catcher position with the impending return of Korey Lee, and elected to move Thaiss to free up a spot.
Baker is known primarily as a good contact hitter with solid defense and well above-average speed. His .290 career average in the minor leagues is definitely promising.
Thaiss was hitting just .212 with the Sox, but had been an on-base machine, with a career high .382 OBP.
Baker showed average power at the lower levels of the minor leagues, but it has not translated to the upper levels so far.
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