We won't go as far as saying the mighty have fallen, but Monday was a tough day for Zach DeLoach. That's because the former Seattle Mariners second-round draft pick was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox.
They often say it's just a business and that no one should ever take things too personally in the world of professional baseball (and professional sports in general). However, it's pretty tough not to when you're being designated for assignment by a club that had the worst record in the Majors last season.
In the case of DeLoach, this is a player who at one time was a top-10 prospect in the Mariners organization. Contrast that to Monday, with him being moved to make room on the 40-man roster for the addition of infielder Jake Amaya, who was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
Former Mariners pick Zach DeLoach on the move again
This marks another former Mariner who happened to be on the move Monday. Prior to the DeLoach news, it was reported Sam Haggerty had signed a minor-league deal with the rival Texas Rangers.
DeLoach is coming off an eventful 2024 season, where the White Sox did give him his Major League debut and he went on to play in 22 games. He wasn't exactly a rousing success however, as evidenced by a .209/.293/.328 slash line and .622 OPS in 75 plate appearances.
The 2020 43rd overall draft pick was obtained by the White Sox ahead of the 2024 season as part of the return package which sent Gregory Santos to the Mariners. In Seattle, he was considered a promising prospect. In two Triple-A league seasons for both organizations combined, he has a .286/.382/.453 slash line and .835 OPS in 235 games.
Things may well still pan out positively for DeLoach, although it does seem as if he will not quite reach the potential, which prompted the Mariners to draft him so high. In the meantime, DeLoach will be exposed to waivers. If another team claims him, the White Sox can work out a trade. If he clears waivers and goes unclaimed, he will return to Chicago and start the season in Triple-A.
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