Frequently Asked Questions
What were Ben Peoples' stats at Triple-A Charlotte before the trade?
Peoples posted a 2.39 ERA across 37.2 innings at Triple-A Charlotte with a 30% strikeout rate. Opponents managed just a .163 expected batting average against him, and both his whiff rate and hard-hit rate ranked among the best in the International League.
Why did the White Sox trade Ben Peoples if he was close to the majors?
The main concern holding Peoples back was his 13% walk rate, which raised questions about trusting him in a bullpen role for a team with playoff aspirations. Despite those concerns, many felt trading him for a High-A catcher was still a head-scratcher given how close he appeared to an MLB debut.
Who is Ben Hartl and what is his minor league track record?
Ben Hartl is a 23-year-old catcher who has never played above High-A ball. Across three minor league seasons he has posted a .248/.393/.323 slash line with five home runs and 63 RBIs, and he's currently putting up a .686 OPS in 130 plate appearances at the High-A level this season.
Do the White Sox already have enough catching depth in their system?
Yes, the White Sox have significant catching depth with Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero projected as the long-term options, plus Drew Romo still holding minor league options and Korey Lee recently named the International League's Player of the Week. Top 30 prospects Landon Hodge and Fernando Graterol are also catchers in the system.
Does Ben Hartl have any connection to the White Sox organization?
Hartl was teammates with White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci at Heartland Community College in 2023 and, like Antonacci, is originally from Springfield, Illinois.
Mitchell Kaminski
I’m a Bradley University Sports Communication graduate with five years covering the Chicago White Sox and experience broadcasting for ESPN-partnered Bradley Athletics. I’ve worked as a radio play-by-play announcer in Missouri and currently serve as a TV reporter for ABC 17 News in Columbia.
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