White Sox Add Catcher Matt Thaiss, Sign Andre Lipcius to Minor League Deal

The Chicago White Sox added to their MLB roster and added another member of their Glendale, Arizona contingent. Chris Getz acquired another catcher, Matt Thaiss, from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. The Northsiders acquired the veteran backup for cash from the Los Angeles Angels last month. Chicago Sun-Times beat writer Daryl Van Schouwen reported today that the club signed Andre Lipcius to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to Spring Training.

The Cubs no longer needed Thaiss after signing Carson Kelly to a free-agent deal last week, and with the veteran out of options, his departure was inevitable. Thaiss will likely break camp with the White Sox, who now have three catchers on the roster. However, Korey Lee posted an OPS of .591 in 394 plate appearances. Chuckie Robinson had nine base hits in 70 at-bats with South Siders. 

The Catching Carousel

Thaiss brings in another left-handed bat who gets on base more than either Lee or Robinson. He posted a .323 on-base percentage in 186 plate appearances for the Angels last year. His 15% walk rate is something the White Sox sorely needs, despite his well below-average ability to halt opposing teams' run games. 

Lipicius is a former 3rd round draftee of the Detroit Tigers in 2019 out of the University of Tennessee. He played third base in his 13 career major league games in 2023 with Detroit. He spent all of 2024 at the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City, where he spent time at first, second, and third base. Lipicius is unlikely to make the roster before the White Sox depart from training camp, considering their infield depth.

What's On Tap Next?

Chicago's 40-man roster is full with the addition of Thaiss, who joins a crowded group of catchers. Getz acquired Red Sox top-100 prospect Kyle Teel and already had another top-100 backstop in Edgar Quero. In addition, 2024 starting catcher Korey Lee returns. Robinson has two minor league options available to the White Sox if they roster him going forward. 

However, he's unlikely to stay on the 40-man roster when Teel and Quero are ready for call-ups. Both catching prospects have limited time at Triple-A and will likely begin the season with the Charlotte Knights. That said, the White Sox will have choices to make regarding Thaiss and Lee when the rookies are ready to make their debuts.