The Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers completed a minor-league swap, with Chicago sending Triple-A reliever Ben Peoples to Texas in exchange for High-A catcher Ben Hartl.
Neither player is on a major league roster, and both remain in the minors.
Peoples, 25, joined the White Sox organization last year as part of the trade that sent Adrian Houser to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The right-hander has transitioned into a full-time relief role over the past two seasons and has posted a strong 2.39 ERA with a 30% strikeout rate at Triple-A this year.
However, his control remains a concern, as he has walked 14% of opposing hitters. Armed with a fastball that averages 96 mph and a slider, Peoples could emerge as a bullpen option for Texas, especially after recording 13 strikeouts over 11 1/3 innings in June.
Hartl, 23, was selected by the Rangers in the 14th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of the University of Kansas.
The Illinois native has spent the season at High-A, batting .218/.369/.317 with three home runs in 130 plate appearances.
Defensively, he has caught 12 of 38 attempted base stealers. Hartl was not considered one of Texas’ top-ranked prospects but brings organizational catching depth to the White Sox system.
The deal gives Texas an experienced Triple-A reliever who could help the major league bullpen, while Chicago adds a young catcher with developmental upside.
