The White Sox released catcher Eric Haase from a minor league contract, as Brooke Fletcher of Chicago Sports Network was among those to report. He had signed with the Sox just a couple weeks ago.
In seven games with Triple-A Charlotte, Haase went 9-25. He hit a couple doubles and a homer with five walks and strikeouts apiece. It’s a strong showing that seemingly pointed to Haase being granted his release to explore other opportunities. Chicago passed on the chance to select his contract after Joey Bart broke a bone in his hand, opting to go back to the Drew Romo – Edgar Quero pairing.
Haase was released by the Giants shortly before signing with Chicago. He had spent the preceding three months on San Francisco’s MLB roster. Haase signed an offseason minor league deal and was in camp. He didn’t win an Opening Day job but was up by mid-April as injuries opened an opportunity behind the dish.
The 33-year-old appeared in 29 games for San Francisco in a depth role. He took 84 plate appearances and hit .162/.235/.365 with four home runs while punching out in a third of his trips. That’s standard production for Haase, a veteran of parts of nine MLB seasons. He has above-average power with a lot of whiffs, leading to a career .224/.276/.394 slash line. Haase has a good arm but isn’t a polished receiving catcher.
Bart and Kyle Teel are still on the injured list, leaving Romo and Quero as the only healthy catchers on the 40-man roster. Korey Lee now projects as their top depth option. He’s the sole remaining catcher in the organization who has MLB experience. Teel, rehabbing from a left ankle sprain, told MLB.com’s Scott Merkin on Wednesday that he’s progressing well. The Sox hope he’ll be back in September.
