Photo: Michael McLoone/Imagn Images

White Sox Add Ex-Yankees Reliever Ron Marinaccio in Waiver Pickup

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Sep 24, 2024 5:03 PM ET

The worst type of history is around the bend for the Chicago White Sox. Weather permitting, they may break the modern-day record for most losses in a season when they open a three-game series at home Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels. With six games left on the schedule, there's virtually no chance for the 120-loss Sox to win out over the final stretch. It's not a matter of if, it's when.

Nevertheless, Chris Getz and Co. are still remodeling the roster with a Monday waiver claim. The White Sox used their top waiver priority to acquire relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio from the New York Yankees. The club optioned the right-hander to Double-A Birmingham, and he resides on the 40-man roster.

Something for Next Year

The Triple-A Charlotte Knights season has ended, but the Birmingham Barons are playing for the South League Championship this week. Chicago had a vacancy on its roster after designating Chad Kuhl for assignment.

The Yankees' 2017 19th-round draftee tossed 63 innings between the big-league club and their Triple-A affiliate. This year, Marinaccio pitched to a 3.86 ERA over 23.1 in four major league stints. He fanned 25.3 percent of the hitters he faced and walked 10.1.

Marinaccio made his big-league debut in 2022, so despite turning 30 next season, he'll be under Chicago's control for four more years. Despite a respectable performance since his debut, Marinaccio was optioned to the minors five times, the allowable maximum for a season. Furthermore, he's out of options next season.

What's On Tap Next?

The pickup is a practical one for the worst team in modern history. The New Jersey native has shown promise, and the White Sox have plenty of room for relievers like him on their roster. Marinaccio won't qualify for arbitration this winter, making him even more ideal for Chicago's penny-pinching owner.

That said, his remaining years of cheap control, lack of minor-league options, and current 40-man roster status make him a lock for the 2025 White Sox.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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