In an unexpected turn of events, the White Sox have lost one of their former top pitching prospects on waivers. Right-handed pitcher Nick Nastrini was claimed by the Miami Marlins this afternoon, per Kevin Barral of Fish On First. The White Sox 40-man roster is now at 38.
Former Top Prospect
Originally acquired along with Jordan Leasure and Trayce Thompson from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly in July 2023, Nastrini, 25, seemed to be trending up when the White Sox traded for him. He ranked as the #6 prospect in Chicago's farm system before the 2024 season and looked to be in the equation for a starting rotation spot as the team continued rebuilding efforts.
Fall From Grace
Unfortunately for Nastrini, he did not make the most of his opportunity in Chicago. In nine games with the big league club last season, he recorded an inflated 7.07 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, and 9.1 BB/9, with opponents slugging .445 against him in 35.2 innings. He did not look MLB-ready and was sent back to Triple-A multiple times last season in a year where the White Sox needed all the pitching help they could find.
With his prospect shine worn off some entering this season, Nastrini had spent the entire 2025 campaign with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights up to this point. He did not fare any better in Charlotte than he did in Chicago. In 44.1 innings over 20 games with the Knights, Nastrini pitched to a 7.51 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, with opposing hitters putting up an .821 OPS against him. He did strike out over a batter per inning, but his walk issues were still clear. He issued 39 free passes in 44.1 innings.
Surprising Development
There was no prior report that the White Sox had soured on Nastrini or exposed him to waivers, so losing him altogether is surprising. Even with his struggles, he was one of the pitching reinforcements in the upper levels of the White Sox farm system and could have factored into the equation later in the season once the team trades away some of their veteran pitchers. The White Sox were apparently fine with the possibility of losing him, however, which is exactly what happened. Nastrini is the latest example of countless prospects who could never find their footing with the White Sox. The Marlins will now gamble on him in hopes of resurrecting his career.
Brooks Baldwin Is Back
Losing Nastrini to Miami is not the team's only roster move today. Brooks Baldwin is back, per a team announcement. He replaces Luis Robert Jr., who recently landed on the injured list because of a hamstring issue. Baldwin, 24, has crushed the Triple-A level this season and now figures to see more consistent playing time in center field with Robert Jr. on the shelf.
Final Word
For a White Sox team still deep in rebuilding mode, losing a once-promising arm for nothing is a stark reminder of how volatile prospects can be. The team will continue looking for pitchers who could be part of the long-term plan in Chicago.
