The White Sox have signed Oliver Dunn to a minor league contract, giving them another utility option in the organization.
The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with utility man Oliver Dunn, formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dunn was originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 11th round of the 2019 MLB Draft before being moved to the Philadelphia Phillies and later traded to Milwaukee. He made his MLB debut on March 30, 2024, appearing in 41 games for the Brewers that season.
He saw limited action again in 2025, playing in 14 games for Milwaukee while splitting time between the major leagues and Triple-A across both seasons.
Now 28 years old, it’s hard to imagine Dunn becoming an exciting addition for White Sox fans. Not only has he struggled at the big-league level—posting a .206 career batting average and .551 OPS in 55 MLB games—but he hasn’t exactly stood out in the upper levels of the minors either.
With Triple-A Nashville in 2025, Dunn appeared in 110 games and hit .208 with a .653 OPS.
As many White Sox fans were quick to point out, Dunn gives off a familiar vibe—one similar to Vinny Capra, who received regular playing time with Chicago in 2025. Good for him for reaching the major leagues, but frustrating for fans to watch players like this occupy roster spots that could be better used to evaluate more deserving young talent.
Chicago likely values Dunn’s defensive versatility and left-handed bat, but it would be surprising to see him reach the big-league roster at any point next season given how many viable utility options already sit on the 40-man roster.
Brooks Baldwin currently profiles as the leading utility presence, though you could argue he’s trending more toward an outfield role at this stage of his career. The White Sox also have Ben Cowles and Tanner Murray—acquired from Tampa Bay and armed with a far better Triple-A track record than Dunn—already on the 40-man.
If Dunn somehow earns a major league roster spot, there will be outrage among White Sox fans—and rightfully so. 2026 needs to be about taking a step forward, and rostering a player like Dunn would feel no different than the early 2025 stretch that featured the Vinny Capra, Jacob Amaya, and Nick Maton types soaking up playing time.
There’s no reason to criticize minor league depth signings. Every organization makes them every winter—as long as they stay where they belong.
But as far as impact goes, I’m unmoved by a 28-year-old utility man who has yet to produce offensively above Double-A at any point in his professional career.