Chris Getz and the White Sox have been active since the start of the new year, making several roster moves. The activity continues with the announcement that the White Sox have signed another player to a minor league contract—this time, it’s a familiar name, Omar Narvaez.
Omar Narvaez, who played with the White Sox from 2016 to 2018, returns to the team after a successful stint as a part-time catcher. During his three seasons in Chicago, Narvaez posted a solid .274 batting average with a .366 OBP, marking some of the best years of his career. The White Sox traded him to the Seattle Mariners in the 2018 offseason in exchange for reliever Alex Colome.
After leaving the White Sox, Narvaez played one year with Seattle, hitting .278 with a .353 OBP, 22 home runs, and 55 RBIs—power numbers that were somewhat atypical for him, likely influenced by the “juiced” ball of 2019. Seattle then traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he spent three years (2020-2022).
Although 2020 wasn’t great for him, he rebounded in 2021 with an All-Star season, hitting .266 with a .342 OBP, 11 home runs, and 49 RBIs in 123 games. Defensively, he ranked in the 100th percentile for framing and the 76th percentile for caught stealing above average, according to Baseball Savant.
However, since his All-Star year, Narvaez struggled both offensively and defensively, first with the Brewers and later with the New York Mets in 2023. The Mets designated him for assignment last summer, and he hasn’t played in a major league game since.
This signing is a smart move for the White Sox, adding depth to the catching competition in Spring Training. Currently, the team has Korey Lee, Matt Thaiss, and prospects Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel competing for spots. Chris Getz, the White Sox’s GM, has emphasized the importance of creating competition, making sure no job is handed out to incumbents or prospects without a challenge.
Narvaez provides a low-risk option with his experience as a reliable backup catcher, and his veteran presence can help mentor the younger players.
Since it’s a minor league deal, the White Sox incur no risk by giving Narvaez a chance. If Getz continues to hand out minor league contracts at this pace, the White Sox could have over 60 players in Spring Training, similar to last year.
