The Chicago White Sox announced Wednesday afternoon that they have designated infielder Jacob Amaya for assignment. This move was made to free up space on the 40-man roster for veteran infielder Josh Rojas. Last week, reports confirmed the White Sox had signed Rojas to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, which became official after Amaya’s removal from the roster.
The White Sox now have seven days to either trade Amaya or let him be claimed off waivers. If he is not claimed, the 26-year-old will either be released into free agency or sent to the minors.
Amaya, previously a top-10 prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system, was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2023 in exchange for veteran Miguel Rojas. He made his MLB debut that same year but was later designated for assignment and traded to the Houston Astros at the beginning of 2024.
The Astros quickly designated Amaya for assignment in August, and the White Sox picked him up off waivers. He appeared in 23 games for Chicago, posting a .179 batting average with three RBIs, one stolen base, a .419 OPS, and a 0.0 WAR. Defensively, he recorded three runs saved at shortstop.
In the minors, Amaya has a career .251 batting average and a .741 OPS, with an average of 15 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases per 162 games.
With Amaya now off the roster and Rojas expected to take over at third base, the White Sox are likely to start 24-year-old Brooks Baldwin at shortstop for 2025. However, Baldwin may be just holding the position until top prospect Colson Montgomery, 22, makes his MLB debut later this year.