White Sox Introduce New Additions: Chase Meidroth and Wikelman Gonzalez

The Chicago White Sox recently introduced infielder Chase Meidroth and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez to the local media, following their acquisition in a trade with the Boston Red Sox that saw left-hander Garrett Crochet head to Boston.

Meidroth, who is ranked as the 13th-best prospect in the White Sox organization by MLB Pipeline, is coming off his best professional season to date. Playing for Triple-A Worcester, he posted an impressive slash line of .293/.437/.400. Meidroth attributes much of his success to his college coach at the University of San Diego, Bob Ungricht.

“It’s just leaning into my strengths,” Meidroth explained. “I think I’ve always been a pretty decent bat-to-ball guy. I kind of figured out my whole approach when I got to college. [Ungricht’s] entire hitting philosophy, I really bought into it. I leaned on it the last three years of Minor League baseball. I’m really happy and really grateful for where he’s brought me in this game and led me to where I’m at.”

Gonzalez, the 14th-best prospect in the White Sox system, had a promising 2024 season with Double-A Portland. He appeared in 24 games, making 19 starts, and posted a 4.73 ERA. Most notably, Gonzalez shone in the second half of the season, recording a 1.84 ERA and holding opponents to a .149 batting average.

Reflecting on his season, Gonzalez acknowledged the mental hurdles he overcame. “I had a lot of stuff on my mind – I was thinking a lot,” Gonzalez said through interpreter Billy Russo. “Then I just cleared my mind, paid more attention to my bullpens, paid attention to details. That’s the reason I was able to get the results in the end. Not thinking too much. … I know I can trust myself, that I can pitch the way I always pitched just like I was as a kid. I realize once I do that, I tend to do a good job.”

Meidroth is expected to join the White Sox at big league camp in February, with a solid chance of making the Opening Day roster. His bat-to-ball skills make him a strong candidate to face major league pitching.

“I’m fired up,” Meidroth said. “It’s obviously what every player wants to hear. I’m not looking toward the regular season. I’ve got to get out to Spring Training first and take it day by day out in Arizona.”