Chicago White Sox
· 2026-07-02
The Chicago White Sox traded right-handed reliever Ben Peoples to the Texas Rangers on Monday.
The team is currently 2nd in the American League with a 45-40 record, on a L1 streak after losing 6-1 to the Baltimore Orioles on July 1, 2026.
Ben Peoples was having his best minor league season before the trade, with a 5-1 record and 2.39 ERA in 37.2 innings at Triple-A Charlotte.
He struck out 45 batters and had a 1.088 WHIP, with opposing hitters batting just .156 against him.
The trade is puzzling for the White Sox, who seem to have good catching depth but need pitching.
Ben Peoples' departure could affect the team's bullpen depth, especially with his strong performance this season.
The White Sox received catcher Ben Hartl in return, a 23-year-old who was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 14th round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Ben Peoples will now be part of the Texas Rangers organization, and his fate will be decided by the team.
He faces minor-league free agency eligibility if the Rangers don't protect him after the 2026 season.
The White Sox, meanwhile, will have to adjust their pitching lineup without Peoples.
Brooke Fletcher of the Chicago Sports Network broke the news of the trade, and LaMond Pope of The Chicago Tribune confirmed the deal.
Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News noted that the move could help the Rangers' bullpen depth.
The South Side reaction to the trade has been mixed, with some fans expressing confusion and disappointment.
Ben Hartl brings a package of skills to the White Sox, including a strong walk rate and on-base ability.
He posted a .309/.460/.599 slash line with 11 home runs in 45 games at the University of Kansas.
At High-A Hub City in 2026, his numbers were less impressive, with a .218/.369/.317 line and three home runs.
The White Sox will have to wait and see how Hartl performs in their organization.
And the team's pitching depth will be a key factor in their success this season.
But for now, the trade of Ben Peoples to the Texas Rangers is a head-scratcher for many fans.
So the White Sox will have to move forward and adjust to the new lineup.
The team's current standing and recent loss to the Orioles will also be a factor in their upcoming games.