The White Sox add Tristan Peters as another upside depth piece, though the growing 40-man crunch highlights how much real work still remains this offseason.
The Chicago White Sox made another minor transaction on Thursday afternoon, acquiring 25-year-old outfielder Tristan Peters from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations.
Peters was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay just days ago and now lands in Chicago with an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Major League roster.
He made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2025, appearing in four MLB games and going 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts.
At Triple-A Durham last season, Peters appeared in 136 games and slashed .266/.355/.429 with 28 doubles, 15 home runs, and 11 stolen bases.
He was named the 2025 Bulls MVP for his contributions to the team.
It shouldn't surprise anybody that the White Sox are drawn to this skillset and profile. Peters takes a healthy number of walks, hits from the left side, and has shown the ability to make highlight-reel defensive plays at any outfield position. He’s also a respectable athlete with decent speed—traits the organization has consistently prioritized at this stage of the rebuild.
This is another depth addition for the White Sox, similar to Everson Pereira, Tanner Murray, Ben Cowles, and other players on the 40-man roster with limited Major League experience. He'll have a fighting chance to earn a place on the roster, and as of right now, there are at-bats in the outfield up for grabs.
It’s hard to complain about upside at essentially no cost. Especially when it's only a depth signing.
That said, adding Peters brings Chicago’s 40-man roster to 39 players. Many of those spots have been filled this offseason via trades, the Rule 5 Draft, or low-cost free-agent signings. And yet, several clear needs remain unaddressed.
The White Sox still need at least one starting pitcher. They have yet to add a veteran reliever to the bullpen. First base remains an open question. And Chris Getz has repeatedly pointed to left-handed bats and corner outfielders as priorities.
Chicago could also use an infusion of power into the lineup. 22 home runs cannot lead the team next year.
I don’t think—or at least I hope—that players like Tristan Peters are the primary solutions the White Sox have in mind.
But with each 40-man roster spot that becomes occupied, roster gymnastics become increasingly difficult if Chicago does land a notable free agent.
Hopefully, at least one of these bargain additions breaks through and contributes in a meaningful way to the 2026 White Sox.