White Sox general manager Chris Getz knows that his roster is far from contending in the American League, however, he still anticipates a competitive camp this spring. This could open the door for younger players like Chase Meidroth, who already has a legitimate case to be the team's Opening Day second baseman.
“I would say the majority of our roster has to earn their opportunities,” Getz told reporters the day before pitchers and catchers reported to camp. “I think that makes for a healthy, productive camp.”
While top-100 prospects Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery headlined the four-player return in a trade that sent Garrett Crochet to Boston, Meidroth may have the highest floor of the group.
Red Sox beat writer Alex Speier of the Boston Globe told CHSN’s Chuck Garfein in December that Meidroth was the hardest player to get included in the trade package. Given the Red Sox needs at second base last year it was a bit of a surprise that Meidroth hasn’t been called up already.
The 23-year-old posted the lowest chase rate in Triple-A last season while providing solid infield defense. In 558 plate appearances with the Worcester Red Sox, Meidroth led the Triple-A International League with a .437 on-base percentage, an impressive feat in just his second professional season. It was a sequel to what he did during his first professional season when he owned a .408 OBP in Double-A Portland, which was the highest mark in the Boston Red Sox farm system.
The White Sox have been trying to fill a hole at second base since they traded away former first-round pick Nick Madrigal in 2021. Ironically, Meidroth processes many of the same skills that drew the White Sox to Madrigal.
Meidroth has solid bat-to-ball skills, has a good understanding of the strike zone, and rarely strikes out, with more career minor-league walks (199) than strikeouts (180). Last season he logged 128 hits en route to a .293 batting average. While he doesn't hit for power, his bat speed and short swing make him a serviceable He is also an above-average defender who can play second base, shortstop, and third.
Given the White Sox’s current second-base options, handing Meidroth a chance from day one is a low-risk move—especially with six-year MLB veteran Josh Rojas providing additional depth. Lenyn Sosa, who logged 374.1 innings at second last season, has struggled offensively, posting a career -1.7 WAR in 163 games, including 97 at second base. Beyond Sosa, Meidroth will compete against fellow prospects Brooks Baldwin, Colson Montgomery, and Bryan Ramos for infield reps
Meidroth may not project as a future All-Star, but he has the potential to bring something the White Sox have lacked for years: stability. His advanced plate discipline, high on-base ability, and defensive versatility make him a viable everyday option. The White Sox traded a valuable asset in Garrett Crochet to land him, so they might as well try and get their money's worth.
While he’ll face competition in camp, his well-rounded offensive approach could provide immediate value for a White Sox lineup that struggled with plate discipline last season. If he carries his minor-league success into spring training, the White Sox may find their long-term answer at second base sooner rather than later.
