White Sox acquire draft pick and lefty from Pirates for two players

The Chicago White Sox are getting an early start on trades before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, making a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Per the Pirates, they had acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-hander Brandon Eisert in exchange for a 2026 Comp A Pick (which is the No. 34th pick in this year’s draft) and left-hander Jaden Woods. The Pirates were reported to be open to moving their Comp A Pick and prospects to acquire talent.

More White Sox News: Chicago White Sox announce roster move for the return of Munetaka Murakami

The deal for the Pirates accomplishes their goal of filling two needs: finding bullpen help and a versatile infielder. Gonzalez had shown signs of life while spending 30 games with the White Sox, filling in for the injured All-Star, Munetaka Murakami.

We have made the following trade with the @whitesox: pic.twitter.com/addnYX8Jvk

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 11, 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates will get great use out of Jacob Gonzalez and Brandon Eisert

The White Sox optioned the 24-year-old to Triple-A Charlotte once Murakami was activated from the injured list on Friday. But he will likely be joining the Pirates’ big-league roster, given some of their injuries. In his first 30 games, Gonzalez batted .244 with a .683 OPS and two home runs, but showed great strides in the minor leagues, having a 1.097 OPS and 19 home runs in 53 games at Triple-A Charlotte.

Shortstop Konnor Griffin will be out until September, as he recovers from a finger injury after making a diving play, while first baseman Spencer Horwitz (left hamstring strain) could return soon. A primary shortstop and third baseman, Gonzalez mostly played as the White Sox’s first baseman (29 games).

Current fill-in Jared Triolo has been struggling to hold things down at shortstop, so Gonzalez should figure to take over for Triolo. Gonzalez should also see time at first base until Horwitz returns to action.

As for Eisert, he should get good usage in the Pirates’ bullpen, as they have not been great this season. Eisert joins a bullpen that has the fourth-worst ERA (4.53) and fifth-worst WHIP (1.40) in the National League.

Did the Chicago White Sox get value in this trade?

Yes, the White Sox did well in this trade, despite the price they paid. Woods, 24, is an interesting arm who could be used in the bullpen if the White Sox chose to call him up this season.

Drafted by the Pirates in the seventh round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Woods quickly ascended through the minor leagues. In 28 appearances between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, Woods is 3-2 with a 4.58 ERA. However, he has not been great since his call-up to Triple-A, posting a 7.71 ERA in 11 games (one start).

The real prize is the Comp A Pick, which now gives the White Sox two picks in the first round. Already holding the first overall pick, they could use their 34th-overall selection to land a starting pitcher for the future. The Draft is scheduled for July 11 and will start at 1 p.m. Eastern.

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