White Sox Opt for Conservative Approach, Add Joey Bart Before Deadline

The White Sox sent right-hander Duncan Davitt to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Joey Bart. Davitt was the organization's No. 30 prospect according to MLB Pipeline but had struggled in Triple-A Charlotte with a 6.22 ERA across 59.1 innings.

Drew Romo is out of minor league options and is considered a better defender than Quero, which likely drove the decision to keep Romo on the roster. While Quero may have a higher offensive ceiling, both catchers have struggled badly at the plate and defensively this season.

Bart has posted a .680 OPS this season while splitting time between the Pirates and Braves. Though those numbers aren't flashy, they're still an upgrade over what the White Sox have gotten from Drew Romo (.480 OPS) and Edgar Quero (.492 OPS).

Bart ranks in the 69th percentile in blocking and 26th percentile in pitch framing, which is a notable improvement over Quero, who ranked in the 4th percentile in blocking and 16th percentile in pitch framing. That defensive upgrade behind the plate is where Bart provides his most meaningful boost.

GM Chris Getz told reporters that the Bart and Romo tandem is meant to bridge the gap until Kyle Teel is ready to return in September. Getz believes the combination will help set the team up for wins during the month of August.