The White Sox aren’t sitting still this offseason-and their latest move adds yet another piece to a roster in transition.
On Thursday, Chicago swung a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire outfielder Tristan Peters. In return, the Rays will receive either cash considerations or a player to be named later. It’s not a blockbuster by any means, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar move that can quietly pay dividends for a team looking to retool.
Peters, 25, is a left-handed hitter and thrower who made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay this past season. His first taste of big-league action was brief-just four games and 12 at-bats without a hit-but that small sample doesn’t tell the full story.
His real work came at Triple-A Durham, where he put together a solid campaign. Peters slashed .266 with a .784 OPS, showing some extra-base pop with 28 doubles, three triples, and 15 home runs.
He also swiped 11 bags, flashing a bit of speed to round out his offensive profile.
Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Southern Illinois-Carbondale, Peters has already seen a few different organizations in his young career. After a stint in the Giants' system, he landed with Tampa Bay, and now he’s on his way to the South Side.
What stands out about Peters is his approach at the plate. He’s shown a consistently strong eye, drawing 60 or more walks in three separate minor league seasons. That kind of plate discipline is a valuable asset-especially for a team like the White Sox, who are looking to improve their on-base numbers across the board.
Defensively, Peters has primarily played center field, including all four of his games at the major league level. That suggests the White Sox see him as a capable glove in the outfield-versatility and defense are always welcome traits for a player on the fringe of the 26-man roster.
This isn’t a splashy move, and Peters likely isn’t penciled in as a starter when Opening Day rolls around. But he’s the kind of depth piece that can make an impact over the course of a long season. Whether it’s as a spot starter, a late-inning defensive replacement, or a lefty bat off the bench, Peters gives the White Sox another option as they continue to reshape their roster.
He may not be a household name, but in a game where depth and flexibility matter more than ever, Tristan Peters could end up being a smart pickup for a team aiming to climb back into contention.