The White Sox are stocking up on catching depth. Last week the team added catcher Chuckie Robinson to a minor league deal. According to MLB.com Robinson signed with the team on December 7th and was then assigned to Triple-A Charlotte. Robinson turned 29 years old on Friday.
The Astros selected Robinson in the 21st round of the 2016 draft. The former 637th overall pick has just 25 games of MLB experience under his belt, all of which came during the 2022 season with Cincinnati. The Reds took Robinson in the 2020 minor league Rule 5 draft. Robinson slashed .136/.136/.271 in 59 at-bats but did hit two home runs and drive in five RBIs during his only taste of big-league action.
The 29-year-old showed a quick 1.90 pop time in 2022, however, he has had some issues with passed balls in the minor leagues. He had seven last season in Triple-A and 34 in his career. In 2019 he had 18 passed balls in Double-A alone.
Robinson did put together a solid 2023 season in Triple-A Louisville, hitting .290/.356/.450 in 369 at-bats but never got an opportunity to return to the show thanks in part to a crowded Reds depth chart that included Tyer Stephenson, Luke Maile, and Curt Casali.
Robinson will have more of an opportunity in Chicago on a White Sox team that is thin at catcher. Chris Getz recently acquired Max Stassi, who figures to split the bulk of the catching duties with Korey Lee. Lee struggled with the White Sox last season and unless his offense improves he may be on a short leash.
Robinson will have to battle with Edgar Quero, who is expected to make his Triple-A debut next season. Quero was acquired in the Lucas Gioliuto trade last season and is considered the White Sox top catching prospect.
