White Sox Acquire Infielder In Trade With The Cubs

The White Sox and Cubs have continued their trend of trading with each other in recent years, as the White Sox have acquired infielder Gage Workman from their crosstown rivals for cash considerations, per a team announcement. Nick Maton was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Workman's Player Profile

Workman, 25, was initially a fourth-round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2020 and had spent his entire career in the Tigers organization until last December when the Cubs selected him in the Rule 5 Draft. He performed well enough in spring training to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster. Unfortunately for Workman, his time on the North Side was brief. He only got 15 plate appearances over nine games, collecting three hits. The Cubs ultimately decided to end his stint with the team by designating him for assignment earlier this week in favor of Nicky Lopez, a much more established backup infielder option.

Worthwhile Gamble For White Sox

Despite his unsuccessful stint with the Cubs, Workman is a worthwhile flier for the White Sox. He had a strong 2024 campaign for the Tigers Double-A affiliate, hitting .280 with 29 doubles, six triples, and 18 home runs. He also stole 30 bases and put up an .843 OPS in 126 games. The 6'4, 220-pound left hitter also offers defensive versatility. He played some shortstop and third base in his small Cubs stint and some second base in the minors last year. Like fellow prospect Tim Elko, strikeouts have been Workman's biggest flaw. He struck out at a 27.5% clip at the Double-A level last season and a 40% clip in a small sample with the Cubs. Yet he has been successful in the minors despite his swing-and-miss issues.

Low Pressure Environment

The White Sox have proven to be fine with allowing unestablished players to prove themselves this season. Former Rule 5 picks Shane Smith and Mike Vasil had no MLB experience before this season, yet have been some of the best performers on the team so far. Workman faced an uphill battle simply to get playing time on a competitive Cubs ballclub. That will not be the case with the White Sox. He should get an extended opportunity to prove himself in a low-pressure environment.

Year Of Evaluation On The South Side

2025 was always going to be a year of evaluation for the White Sox. The big league roster consists of many young players trying to establish themselves as MLB caliber players in hopes of staying on the roster beyond this season. Gage Workman is the newest of the bunch. He represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward player for the White Sox moving forward as the team looks to reshape the roster.