The Chicago White Sox are actively seeking young players to bolster their roster during their ongoing rebuild, and former top prospect Diego Cartaya, recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers, could be an intriguing addition for them to consider. Cartaya, who was signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent from Venezuela in 2018, was once regarded as one of the top 20 prospects in MLB. However, despite his early promise, Cartaya has faced struggles in the minors. In 2024, he played in 95 games across Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .221 with 11 home runs, 52 RBIs, and an OPS of .686, failing to fully meet the offensive expectations placed on him.
The Dodgers’ decision to part ways with Cartaya comes in the context of their strong catching depth, with Will Smith firmly established as their starting catcher after signing a ten-year, $140 million extension, and Austin Barnes serving as his backup. Additionally, they have top catching prospect Daulton Rushing pushing for a promotion, making Cartaya expendable despite his defensive promise.
For the White Sox, who already have depth in their catching ranks with Korey Lee, Matt Thaiss, and promising young prospects like Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, Cartaya might not be needed behind the plate. However, Chicago could take a chance on Cartaya by converting him into a first baseman, adding flexibility to their roster. This would allow the White Sox to increase their positional depth, especially with Andrew Vaughn being the only natural first baseman on the team. Given Cartaya’s strong defensive reputation, transitioning him to first base could be a relatively smooth process, as it has been for other players in the past, like Thaiss, who has gained experience at both first and third base.
Although Cartaya’s biggest concern has been his struggles at the plate, transitioning him to a new defensive position might allow him to focus on improving his offensive game without the pressure of catching. If he can improve his plate discipline and reduce his tendency to chase pitches, he could develop into a solid everyday player in the majors. At just 23 years old, Cartaya still has plenty of time to refine his skills, and the White Sox could benefit from buying low on a player with considerable upside. With a minor league option remaining, the White Sox would be able to give Cartaya the time he needs to adjust, and if he can unlock his potential, he could be a valuable asset for their future.
