White Sox trade OF Robbie Grossman to Rangers for Double-A pitcher in what could be only the beginning
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The White Sox acquired minor-league right-hander Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa from the Texas Rangers in exchange for outfielder Robbie Grossman Wednesday.
For general manager Chris Getz, it’s more than likely just the start of active dealmaking between now and the July 30 trade deadline to restock the farm system and rebuild an organization that has nowhere to go but up.
The Sox were 8-28 entering Wednesday’s game against the Rays, the worst start in franchise history over 36 games. Although carrying a decent major league resume with him, Grossman was merely a stopgap veteran outfielder Getz picked up on a minor league deal late in spring training. He had a few moments, led the Sox in walks, notched his 200th career double Sunday, and said goodbye.
That the Sox were able to add a 23-year-old pitcher with a 0.00 ERA with the Rangers’ Double-A team at Frisco this season with upper 94-99 mph velocity and a hard slider is getting viewed as a good get for Getz. Hoopii-Tuionetoa wasn’t protected in the Rule 5 Draft last year, and the Rangers felt fortunate to keep him in their system.
“We’re excited about bringing in a player of his caliber, we’ve liked him for a little bit,” Getz said. “He has three really good pitches, a good delivery and there are some elements of his game that can be improved as well, with his changeup and his usage.”
Hoopii-Tuionetoa was assigned to Double-A Birmingham, the Sox’ most glowing level in their farm system.
The Sox will be exploring more trades of veterans for prospects.
“You rewind back to September with the openness to look for opportunities to improve the long term health of the organization,” Getz said, “with the transactions we made with the Aaron Bummer deal [acquiring five players], fast forward to Dylan Cease [for three prospects and reliever Steven Wilson] in spring training and we continue to have conversations now.”
There might not be any untouchables. When asked last week about the possibility of trading All-Star center fielder Luis Robert, who is on the injured list with a hip flexor strain, and prized left-hander Garrett Crochet, Getz said, “we will be open minded on anything to further set us up for future success.”
Noting the Padres’ landing Luis Arraez from the Marlins last week, Getz suggested deals could come at any time.
“The deadline is a date that stirs up a lot of transactions but it doesn’t mean deals can’t be done if it makes sense for both clubs,” he said. “Teams are looking to fill needs and when it makes sense for both sides teams are willing to move forward with deals.”
Right-hander Erick Fedde, who starts against the Guardians Thursday to open the Sox’ home stand, would have value with another year on his contract. Michael Kopech has one more year before free agency. Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada are in the last years of their contracts (with club options next year not going to be picked up) and are expendable, but their salaries and injury histories limit their value. Moncada is on the IL with an adductor strain.
Tommy Pham, who played for the Diamondbacks against the Rangers and Grossman in the 2023 World Series, like Grossman was a free agent through the off-season, could go in a Grossman-like deal.
Grossman, 34, batted .211/.329/.268 with four doubles and a team-high 13 walks over 25 games with the Sox this season after signing as a minor-league free agent on March 22. A native of Hawaii, Hoopii-Tuionetoa comes with upside and ranks among the Texas League relief leaders in ERA (first), WHIP (second) and opponents average (second, .167). The Rangers’ 30th round draft pick in 2019, he owns a 3.15 ERA over four minor league seasons. He joins a farm system that has climbed to No. 18 among 30 teams, per MLB Pipeline.
“The ultimate goal is find these opportunites to improve our talent group at the minor league or major league level,” Getz said.
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