Rays Acquire Matt Thaiss, Trade Dru Baker

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired catcher Matt Thaiss from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfield prospect Dru Baker. Thaiss, 30, was hitting .212 with one home run, eight RBIs, and a .676 OPS over 35 games in his first season with the White Sox after previously playing for the Angels. He is expected to serve as backup to primary catcher Danny Jansen, potentially putting Ben Rortvedt's roster spot at risk. Dru Baker, 25, is a speedy and versatile outfielder who posted a .288 average with 42 stolen bases at Double-A Montgomery in 2024, has yet to debut in the majors, and is currently rehabbing an injury. To make room for Thaiss, Tampa Bay transferred outfielder Jonny DeLuca to the 60-day injured list. The trade reflects the Rays’ effort to strengthen their catching depth while the White Sox add a promising young outfielder.