In a trade with the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago White Sox have acquired veteran catcher Max Stassi, providing depth behind the plate and an opportunity for mentorship to young catcher Korey Lee. The deal, which took place on Saturday, also involved cash considerations and a player to be named later.
Max Stassi, a seasoned 32-year-old catcher, brings a decade of MLB experience to the White Sox, having previously played with the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels. Notably, Stassi contributed to the Astros’ World Series victory in the 2017 season. However, he did not play in the entirety of the 2023 season due to a combination of recovering from a hip injury and addressing a family matter.
Stassi, who is set to earn $7 million in 2024, is expected to provide a veteran presence behind the plate for the White Sox. This move comes as the team looks to fill the void left by Yasmani Grandal, who departed for free agency.
While Stassi’s offensive statistics, including a lifetime .212 batting average and 41 career home runs, may not be eye-catching, his experience and defensive skills make him a valuable addition. His most productive offensive season occurred in 2021 when he hit 13 home runs. In 2022, Stassi played a career-best 102 games with the Angels.
The acquisition of Stassi presents a strategic move for the White Sox, especially considering that the team may not be in contention in the 2024 season. This situation allows Stassi to contribute on the field and serve as a mentor to Korey Lee, a young catcher with potential, who was acquired by the White Sox during the trade deadline in the previous year.
The trade underscores the White Sox’s commitment to building a well-rounded roster and leveraging the experience of seasoned players to guide the development of emerging talents. As the team transitions into the 2024 season, Stassi’s presence is expected to make meaningful contributions both on and off the field for the Chicago White Sox.
Stassi is owed $7 million in 2024, the bulk of which is expected to be paid by the Braves.
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) December 9, 2023
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