Dru Baker - MLB News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

White Sox trade C Matt Thaiss to Tampa Bay and reinstate C Korey Lee from injured list

The Chicago White Sox have traded Matt Thaiss to the Tampa Bay Rays and reinstated fellow catcher Korey Lee from the 10-day injured list

MAY 27, 2025 • Associated Press

Rays acquire backup catcher Thaiss from White Sox for Minors OF The Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday acquired catcher Matt Thaiss from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Dru Baker. To make room on...

MAY 27, 2025 • MLB.COM

Dealt to White Sox Baker was traded from the Rays to the White Sox on Tuesday in exchange for Matt Thaiss.

Impact A fourth-round selection in 2021, Baker performed well until he reached an age-appropriate level at Double-A in 2023 as a 23-year-old. Since then, he's performed near league-average rates as an overall hitter while failing to hit for much power (two homers in 162 games above High-A). Baker has primarily played the corner outfield spots over the last couple years while also seeing time in center field and at second base.

MAY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finishes season at Double-A Baker slashed .287/.346/.417 with one home run, 11 steals and a 22 percent strikeout rate in 30 games for Double-A Montgomery.

Impact The 23-year-old outfielder posted a .307/.396/.491 slash line with 13 home runs and 38 steals in 90 games for High-A Bowling Green, but given that he was a couple years older than the typical prospect at that level, Baker's run at Double-A is more instructive. He split time pretty evenly between the three outfield spots, and given his plus-plus speed, Baker could provide some defensive value. The big question is whether he will do enough damage at the plate to avoid getting pigeonholed as a fourth or fifth outfielder. He should split his age-24 season between Double-A and Triple-A.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE