With the Aug. 3 trade deadline less than two months away, the White Sox made a first move on Thursday—trading Derek Hill and $250,000 in international-pool money to the Phillies—to create room on a roster that could get crowded again when Munetaka Murakami ret
On Thursday, the White Sox started reshaping their roster in the narrow window before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, but it wasn’t just about the future. It was about fitting today’s lineup with a return that could arrive sooner than expected.
To make room for outfielder Everson Pereira, who returned from a rehab assignment, the Sox traded outfielder Derek Hill and $250,000 in international-pool money to the Phillies for two minor-league position players.
“We’re in a little bit of a roster crunch,” Sox manager Will Venable said. “And I think it speaks to D-Hill and his performance and who he is that there was a lot of interest in him. It also speaks to where our club is. We needed to push a really good player off our roster.”
Hill. a bench player who had platooned against left-handers. had been part of those matchups. even if his moments hadn’t been enough to hold his spot as the Sox looked forward. Venable’s comments made the logic plain: the decision wasn’t just about one player’s production. but about what the organization believed it needed to prioritize on the roster.
That shift is tied to Munetaka Murakami, whose 20 home runs still lead the Sox and are tied for third in the majors. His return is expected in about a month, and when he comes back, someone will have to leave.
In the meantime, rookie Jacob Gonzalez has been handling first base against right-handers in Murakami’s stead. Through nine games, Gonzalez has posted an .842 OPS while holding his own in the field. He has played shortstop for most of his life. but Colson Montgomery has that position locked down. barring more back trouble. If Gonzalez continues producing, the Sox may find it difficult to send him down.
The same is true for rookie Braden Montgomery. He’s off to a fast start at the plate and in right field. Upon his call-up Tuesday, Venable said the Sox’ No. 2 prospect— a switch hitter—would play every day. So far, he has.
And now there’s Pereira back in the mix. Pereira had been on the injured list since April 29 with a right pectoral strain. It was his second stint on the injured list this season after he missed time with a sprained left ankle. If his health holds, the Sox believe his presence could resolve another logjam.
Pereira’s upside has shown in limited windows. In the rain-delayed game against the Braves, he entered with three home runs and a .453 slugging percentage in 18 games. In his first game back against lefty Martin Perez, he was set to bat fifth and play center field. Against left-handers, Venable expects him to become a regular.
Against right-handers, the outfield picture is already crowded. Venable said center fielder Tristan Peters and left fielder Sam Antonacci have earned their spots, and Andrew Benintendi will contribute mostly as a designated hitter.
That’s why Murakami’s expected return matters so much. When he returns, the Sox will face “uncharted waters” for general manager Chris Getz—first a team that he seemingly has rebuilt, and now a team he must try to push “over the top.”
Getz has said he will be monitoring the trade market before the deadline. “I know I have stated that it’s not about 2026. but this team’s playing really good baseball. ” Getz said last week in Minneapolis. “We know where we are in the standings. and if there’s opportunities to add to this … we have higher hopes than just 2026 because we want to have a continual winner. But if there’s chances to add to this group, we’re going to do that.”.
Before the Sox can even fully get to the trading decisions, they’re already heading into another roster crunch of their own.
The Phillies received Derek Hill and $250,000 in international-pool money. In return, the Phillies sent the Sox two minor-league position players: outfielder Dylan Campbell and infielder José Colmenares. Campbell. 23. will be assigned to Double-AA Birmingham. and Colmenares. 24. will be assigned to the Arizona Complex League to continue his rehab from a thumb injury.
White Sox Derek Hill Everson Pereira Phillies Munetaka Murakami Will Venable Chris Getz trade deadline Aug. 3 roster crunch Jacob Gonzalez Braden Montgomery
So they traded Hill for cap space or whatever to get Murakami back? Not sure why they just can’t keep everyone lol.
I swear it feels like the White Sox do this every year—shuffle the roster right before deadline then act surprised when people get moved. Murakami better come back healthy or that trade looks dumb.
replying to ugh, roster crunch Wait so they traded Derek Hill AND money to the Phillies and got “minor-league position players” back… but the article says it’s to clear space for Murakami, right? Why would a first baseman help if Murakami is an outfielder? Sounds like they’re just guessing who fits.
Murakami is hitting 20 homers and they’re still trading bench guys, like ok. But “international-pool money” makes it sound like they’re moving assets around quietly… does that mean we lost some signing power too? Also Aug 3 is so close, I don’t even think these trades matter that much unless they’re bringing back a real bat.