Rays Acquire Minor League Infielder Oliver Dunn from White Sox in One-for-One Trade

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired utility infielder Oliver Dunn from the Chicago White Sox in a one-for-one trade that sends left-handed reliever Joe Rock to Chicago. The deal comes as the Rays look to bolster their bench depth following injuries to key players, while the White Sox continue to reshape their 40-man roster.

Joe Rock, a left-handed reliever acquired by the Rays in Spring Training 2024, will head to Chicago where he will report to Triple-A Charlotte. Rock, a 6’6” southpaw originally drafted by Colorado in 2021, posted a 5.21 ERA across 96 2/3 innings in the minors this season. Despite a 34.6% strikeout rate, his control has regressed, as he walked 17 batters and hit four others in 78 plate appearances. The Rays had grown uncertain about his role and are now moving him for infield depth.

Dunn, 28, brings a .296/.397/.533 line with eight home runs in 40 Triple-A games this season. The left-handed hitter has primarily played third base but can also fill in at second base and left field. Last year with Milwaukee, Dunn batted .206/.261/.290 in 145 MLB plate appearances before being waived and signing a minor league deal with Chicago in December.

Chicago will benefit from adding Rock to their Triple-A rotation while shedding a player who was unlikely to factor in the MLB bullpen. The Rays, meanwhile, gain a proven performer at the Triple-A level with experience at the MLB level and a track record of drawing walks, which could be valuable in a platoon or bench role. Dunn’s ability to hit for average and power gives Tampa Bay flexibility as they deal with injuries to Jake Fraley and Ben Williamson.

The Rays have two open 40-man roster spots and could call up Dunn if Williamson is placed on the injured list. With Dunn outperforming internal options like Logan Davidson and Raynel Delgado, the Rays are expected to activate him soon. The White Sox, meanwhile, will monitor Rock’s development in Charlotte as he enters the second of three option years.

The Rays host the Oakland Athletics later this week, and Dunn could factor into the bench mix if needed. The White Sox will continue to evaluate Rock’s performance in Triple-A, with the hope he can regain consistency.