The White Sox have made a trade, as they are acquiring infielder Gage Workman from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. In a corresponding move, they have designated Nick Maton for assignment to free up a roster spot for Workman.
Acquired from the Detroit Tigers as their selection in the Rule 5 Draft, Workman has spent the entire season so far on the Cubs’ 26-man roster, primarily coming off the bench and playing third base. He was seen as a glove-first infielder in the minors, primarily playing third base and shortstop. He was ranked as the 29th best prospect in the Cubs system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Workman topped out at the Double-A level with the Tigers organization before being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. A 4th-round pick back in 2020, he was originally a switch-hitter but gave that up to focus on batting solely from the left side of the plate. He has some pop in his bat, hitting 18 home runs throughout the 2024 season in Double-A, but has been plagued by a below-average hit tool and a propensity to striking out throughout his minor league career. In 2025 with the Cubs, he has been underwhelming in the few opportunities he has received at the plate, slashing just .214/,267/.286 with a 59 wRC+ through 15 plate appearances.
Because he was originally acquired in the Rule 5 Draft, the White Sox will be required to keep him on the 26-man roster or be forced to offer him back to the Tigers. With Miguel Vargas as the primary third baseman, Workman will likely shift over to shortstop with the Sox, where he is viewed as having a plus glove and arm. It remains to be seen how much play time he will get, but with no clear answer at that position on the MLB roster, Workman will have an opportunity to earn plenty of starts.
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