​In an unexpected development Friday night, the Chicago White Sox agreed to a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates just one day before the MLB Draft. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Chicago is sending 2023 first-round pick Jacob Gonzalez and left-handed reliever Brandon Eisert to the Pirates in exchange for the Pirates’ No. 34 overall compensatory pick in this weekend’s draft and left-handed reliever Jaden Woods. The White Sox hold the No. 1 overall selection in Saturday’s draft, and this deal increases their draft bonus pool to $20.5 million. Passan noted that Chicago has not indicated which player it intends to select with the top pick.
For Pittsburgh, the deal adds Gonzalez, a versatile infielder who could fill in at shortstop while Konnor Griffin recovers from injury, which appears to be a driving factor behind the move. Gonzalez, 24, was selected 15th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. A change of scenery could provide the spark he needs, while Eisert gives the Pirates another left-handed arm in a bullpen that has shown inconsistency this season.
Reaction from social media reflected surprise and mixed opinions. One user commented that this might be the most random trade of the year. Another remarked that the White Sox may have lost this deal by a wide margin, noting that Gonzalez is a major league-ready former first-rounder and Eisert is a high-leverage lefty. Some praised the Pirates’ move, while others expressed disbelief at the acquisition of Gonzalez. There was speculation that the White Sox might be targeting Landon Thome in the draft, given the broader context of the deal.
Statistically, Gonzalez has appeared in 86 at-bats for the White Sox this season, recording 21 hits, 11 runs, two homers, and 17 RBIs while batting .244 with a .683 OPS. The White Sox did call him up this year, so he remains eligible for rookie status. Eisert, by contrast, has struggled to establish himself. He has appeared in 25 games this season, including four starts, and owns a 2-1 record with a 5.93 ERA over 27.1 innings. He has also posted 32 strikeouts and a 1.244 WHIP.
This trade marks a notable shift for both clubs as they approach the draft and look to shape their rosters for the coming seasons. The White Sox will enter the draft with the top pick and an expanded bonus pool, while the Pirates add a potential infield option in Gonzalez and a veteran left-handed reliever in Eisert to bolster a bullpen that has faced occasional challenges. As the draft unfolds, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these roster moves align with each team’s long-term plans and immediate needs.