Cubs trade Workman to White Sox
The Cubs traded third baseman Gage Workman to the White Sox on Saturday for cash considerations.
Selected in the Rule 5 draft from Detroit over the winter, the Cubs were hoping Workman could be a left-handed hitting option at third base. But after a good spring, the Cubs decided he wasn't ready for the job and he was designated for assignment after a two-error game earlier this week.
Workman, 25, had not played above Double-A before this season. But as a Rule 5 pick, he had to either stay on the Cubs' 26-man roster or be placed on waivers.
“I think Gage was in a tough spot,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said before Saturday's game against the Phillies. “What I told him was like, 'Just because it wasn't a good experience, it doesn't mean it's not going to help you in your next experience.' And I think overall, this was a good experience.
“When you're delivering that message, it's bad news, but if he uses this experience in the right way, it's going to make him a better baseball player. I'm very confident he's going to be a major leaguer after that conversation. I wish him the best. He's a good kid and he's got talent.”
Workman went 3-for-14 at the plate for the Cubs with a double and 2 RBI. The White Sox designated Nick Maton for assignment to make room on their roster.
“Really excited about the athlete,” Sox manager Will Venable told reporters in Sacramento. “Some pop on the left side of the plate, and excited to see what he can do. Some defensive versatility. So you can see him against some right-hand pitching. You can see him come off the bench and run, come off the bench and play defense.”
Workman played mostly shortstop in the minor leagues, but started games at third base, second base and the outfield.
Right-handed hitting Miguel Vargas has gotten nearly all of the starts at third base for the White Sox so far this season, but was hitting .191 with 2 errors heading into Saturday's action.
The Cubs-Sox pipeline has been active lately. Naperville native Nicky Lopez spent last season with the Sox and was signed by the Cubs to replace Workman on the roster. Palatine native Mike Tauchman jumped from the Cubs to the Sox as a free agent and is out with a hamstring strain. Outfielder Travis Jankowski started spring training with the Cubs, then jumped to the Sox before being traded to Tampa Bay on Friday.
The White Sox now have three players on the roster who were chosen in the Rule 5 Draft in December — Workman, along with pitchers Shane Smith and Mike Vasil.