The Tampa Bay Rays have struck a deal, albeit a minor deal when all is said and done. The surging Rays are looking for a little help behind the plate, given that their options haven’t been plentiful back there. They found a little bit of help as a trade partner with the Chicago White Sox. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays are acquiring catcher Matt Thaiss from the White Sox for outfielder Dru Baker. Both the Rays and White Sox have confirmed the trade on Tuesday.
#Rays acquire C Matt Thaiss from #WhiteSox for OF prospect Dru Baker
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 27, 2025
The Fit for Matt Thaiss and the Rays
Thaiss, 30, isn’t going to be bringing home an MVP award by any means. However, the Rays have trotted out catchers Danny Jansen and Ben Rortvedt this season. That tandem has left a bit to be desired behind the dish. While Jansen has been hitting better of late, Rortvedt doesn’t seem to be a decent enough bat to keep round. With both Rortvedt and Thaiss being left handed, the obvious choice is for Rortvedt to be designated for assignment, as he is out of options.
Rortvedt this season is hitting 100/.194/.117. While that’s only 67 plate appearances, his career isn’t much better and it might be time for the Rays to look elsewhere to maximize their roster, which they are so good at doing as an organization.
Thaiss is seen as an odd man out in Chicago, as the White Sox have Edgar Quero and Korey Lee available as catchers, and Kyle Teel tearing it up in the minors. The 30-year-old brings a veteran platoon option for the Rays. He’s hitting .212/.382/.294 with a homer and 20.9% walk rate across 110 plate appearances this season. While he’s not tearing it up, he is markedly better than what Rortvedt has given the Rays this year.
The Rays have shifted outfielder Jonny DeLuca to the 60-day injured list to make room for Thaiss on the 40-man.
To make room on 40-man roster, #Rays shift OF Jonny DeLuca to 60-day IL, which means he can’t return until June 6. Rays will have to make room on 26-man roster when Thaiss joins team, with Ben Rortvedt’s spot seeming to be in jeopardy
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 27, 2025
The Package Headed to the White Sox
Baker, 25, was a fourth round pick for the Rays back in the 2021 MLB Draft. While he started out tearing up the minors, he’s been slow out the gate this season with Triple-A Durham. He’s hitting .245/.344/.302 with one home run in 61 plate appearances. If Baker can get on base, he’s going to be a valuable asset in the majors. His high mark of steals was 49 in 2023.
For the White Sox, it’s an easy decision to make this trade with the Rays. With so many catching options and acquiring Thaiss for cash in the offseason, something is better than nothing for a team that’s deep in a rebuild.
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