The Chicago White Sox have released outfielder Tyler Naquin, the team announced Tuesday.
Naquin was let go in order to make room for right-handed pitcher Alex Speas, who the White Sox claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers. The 25-year-old Speas was 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA in Texas this season.
Chicago acquired Naquin in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers on Aug. 7. They sent cash considerations to Milwaukee in exchange for the veteran outfielder.
Naquin was assigned to Triple-A Charlotte upon the completion of the post-deadline deal. He appeared in 28 games for the White Sox's minor league affiliate, batting .216 with three home runs, nine RBI and a .665 OPS.
Chicago finally selected Naquin's contract on Sept. 26, calling him up to replace injured outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on the active roster. In five games, Naquin got eight at-bats, striking out seven times while failing to get a hit.
The 32-year-old first broke onto the scene with the Cleveland Indians in 2016, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting as his team won the AL pennant. Naquin's production fell off from there, though, and Cleveland let him walk to join the Cincinnati Reds in free agency in 2021.
The Reds traded Naquin to the New York Mets at the 2022 deadline, and he went on to post a .636 OPS across 49 games in Queens. Naquin started 2023 on a minor league deal with the Brewers before getting dealt to the White Sox.
Naquin is a career .263 hitter with 61 home runs, 97 doubles, 237 RBI, a .762 OPS and 32 outfield assists.
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