White Sox Claim Intriguing Reliever Off Waivers

The White Sox made several roster moves earlier today. Steven Wilson went to the 15-day injured list with a lower back strain, while Mike Clevinger was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Relief pitcher Gus Varland was also recalled from AAA Charlotte. However, the most notable move of the bunch was claiming veteran reliever Enyel De Los Santos off waivers from the Yankees. It is an interesting move for multiple reasons.

De Los Santos’ Past MLB Success

A 28-year-old right-handed reliever, De Los Santos has spent part of six seasons in the big leagues and has 214 MLB appearances to his name. Primarily using a four-seam fastball and slider combination, De Los Santos has experienced extended periods of success in MLB. In 120 appearances with the Guardians in 2022 and 2023, he put up a 3.18 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 1.11 WHIP, and 9.3 K/9. De Los Santos was integral to a good Cleveland bullpen for two years before being traded to the Padres last November.

Tough 2024 Season

Unfortunately, 2024 has not been kind to De Los Santos. He was mediocre in San Diego earlier this season and got traded to the Yankees a couple of weeks ago, where he was awful in a short stint with them. Funny enough, his final game with the Yankees was against the White Sox where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in just 1.2 innings. The timing of this move is funny considering the White Sox destroyed him just a few days ago. Logically, it makes no sense that they would want a pitcher they just lit up. 

Underlying Numbers Are Encouraging

However, several factors justify claiming De Los Santos. As mentioned, he has experienced extended periods of success in the majors. Even in a down season, he still ranks in the 87th percentile in whiff %, the 75th percentile in fastball velocity, and the 71st percentile in K% per Baseball Savant. De Los Santos is still missing bats at a well above-average rate. Perhaps the White Sox see something in him that they can tweak. It is not unreasonable to think he could regain his prior form.

Much Needed Bullpen Depth For White Sox

Team control and the White Sox current bullpen situation are other factors here. De Los Santos will not become a free agent until after the 2026 season, meaning the White Sox could have control of him for two seasons beyond 2024. It is also no secret that the White Sox bullpen is one of the worst in baseball and needs all the help they can get. Despite his down season, De Los Santos will likely become a high-leverage bullpen arm immediately for the White Sox. He will have the opportunity to regain his footing in a low-pressure environment for the rest of the season.

Low Risk Move

Claiming players like Enyel De Los Santos is precisely what the White Sox should be doing right now. He has a track record of MLB success, a good amount of team control remaining, and is not overly expensive. Rome was not built in a day, nor will the White Sox. That said, they can improve incrementally, and adding De Los Santos is a potential example of that. He upgrades the bullpen both now and moving forward and could be a trade chip in the future as well. And even if he does not regain his past form, the White Sox have nothing invested in him. They can move on at any time. It is the epitome of a low-risk, high-reward move.