Rival Team Reportedly Tried To Poach White Sox Front Office Executive

The Baltimore Orioles were reportedly eyeing one of the Chicago White Sox’s front office executives.

Despite a rough season overall, the White Sox have shown marked improvement in the second half, posting a 25–25 record since the All-Star break. Over that stretch, Chicago’s catchers and shortstops have ranked second in MLB in WAR, while their second basemen rank fourth. For a team that could still lose 100 games, getting top-five production from three different position groups is an encouraging sign.

That progress has not gone unnoticed. According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the Orioles expressed interest in White Sox assistant general manager Josh Barfield for a front office role. However, Barfield reportedly plans to remain in Chicago and will not be joining Baltimore.

One of Chris Getz’s first moves as White Sox general manager was adding Josh Barfield to the front office. Barfield assists Getz with the day-to-day management of baseball operations, including roster construction, player development, and scouting.

Since his arrival, the White Sox have continued to strengthen their pipeline. The organization now boasts four top-100 prospects, including their last two first-round picks, Hagen Smith and Billy Carlson, and entered the season ranked as the No. 5 farm system in the MLB by Baseball America.

Barfield has also played a role in shaping the major-league staff, helping to hire hitting coach Marcus Thames, first base coach Jason Bourgeois, catching coach Drew Butera, bullpen coach Matt Wise, and offensive coordinator Grady Sizemore.

Before joining the White Sox in September 2023, Barfield spent eight years in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ front office. He began as a scout in 2016, quickly rose through the ranks, and was promoted to farm director in 2019—a role he held for five seasons. Under his watch, the D-backs developed key players such as Jordan Lawlar, Alek Thomas, and Corbin Carroll, while also overseeing top prospects Druw Jones and Brandon Pfaadt. Arizona’s farm system was ranked third in baseball entering the 2023 season by MLB Pipeline and has consistently remained in the top 10.

Like Getz, Barfield is a younger executive with experience playing in the big leagues. A former second baseman, he played four seasons in the majors, posting a .264/.295/.375 slash line with 16 home runs, 112 RBIs, 35 stolen bases, and a 2.6 career WAR across 309 games.