The Chicago White Sox have struggled mightily this season, largely due to a historically anemic offense. As a result, Chicago has continued to shake up its mix of veteran bats to finally find the right mix. The latest move comes on Wednesday, as the White Sox acquired outfielder Corey Julks from the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher Luis Rodriguez.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 15, 2024
In corresponding moves, the White Sox designated outfielder Rafael Ortega for assignment to make room for Julks on the 40-man roster. Plus, Chicago recalled Dominic Fletcher from Triple-A to take Ortega’s spot on the active roster while Julks was optioned to Triple-A.
White Sox Acquire Corey Julks from the Astros
The Astros designated Julks for assignment last week to clear a roster spot for waiver claim Alex Speas. Houston had 10 days to pass the outfielder through waivers, make a trade, or risk losing him for nothing. The White Sox acquiring Julks via trade rather than waiver claim likely indicates a decent amount of league-wide interest in the player.
The former 2017 eighth-round pick never ranked too high on prospect lists, but has a solid track record of minor league production. In 2022, Julks hit 31 homers and stole 22 bases while hitting .270/.351/.503 in Triple-A.
This production helped earn Julks a spot on Houston’s 2023 Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry this production to the big league level. In 93 games, Julks hit .245/.297/.352 (80 OPS+) with below average walk and strikeout rates. However he displayed his tools by playing solid defense and stealing 15 bases.
Thank you for the memories, Corey Julks 🫡 pic.twitter.com/iXOUAgvcib
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) May 10, 2024
Though Houston has struggled this season, Julks has spent the entire year in the minors. To his credit, he has produced pretty well. In 31 games, Julks hit five homers, stole six bases, and waked at an above-average 12.8 percent clip.
The White Sox acquire Julks to add an athletic player with five years of control and solid upside to the organization. Though he is 28, Julks is the type of the player that White Sox should look to inexpensively acquire and develop while they’re rebuilding.
Julks will likely spend time in Triple-A to work on adjustments that Chicago’s player development team brings him. However, he is only one call away from the majors and will likely be a top candidate to be promoted in case of a trade or injury in the majors.
Astros Acquire Luis Rodriguez
For the first time in several years, the Astros are struggling with a lack of pitching depth. By trading an outfielder, Houston took from an organizational surplus to infuse the system with an intriguing arm.
Rodriguez, 20, appeared in 15 games last season in the Dominican Summer League. He posted a 3.55 ERA in 33 innings with excellent strikeout and walk rates. He relies on a low 90’s fastball and an above-average curveball, but likely will develop more velocity as he ages in Houston’s system.
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