The Chicago White Sox made a late decision before Opening Day that caught plenty of fans off guard.
Mar 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Korey Lee (26) looks on against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Image
When they moved on from Korey Lee and brought back Reese McGuire, the assumption was simple—there had to be a move coming. A trade, some kind of return, something.
Instead, the opposite happened.
Lee cleared waivers. Every other team passed.
And in that moment, a difficult truth came into focus.
For all the speculation about his potential value, the market didn’t agree.
Lee’s journey with the White Sox has always been uneven. Acquired in a trade that once hinted at upside, he never fully established himself at the major league level. Across multiple opportunities, the production simply didn’t match the expectations.
There were flashes, but not enough consistency.
Even his most extended run in 2024 resulted in modest numbers, and while there were signs of improvement later on, they didn’t fundamentally change how he was viewed. A strong spring may have created some optimism internally and among fans, but front offices tend to look at the full body of work.
And that body of work raised concerns.
A career batting average hovering below .200, combined with defensive metrics that don’t stand out, made it difficult to justify a roster spot—let alone generate trade interest.
That’s why the waiver result matters.
When Lee was designated for assignment, all 29 other teams had a chance to claim him at no cost. For organizations constantly searching for catching depth, that opportunity usually draws at least some interest.
This time, it didn’t.
For the White Sox, the decision now looks more calculated than controversial. Choosing McGuire as a backup option wasn’t just about short-term preference—it aligned with how the rest of the league evaluated Lee as well.
That doesn’t mean Lee’s story is finished.
Now back in Triple-A Charlotte, he’ll have another opportunity to prove he can adjust and evolve. Players have rebuilt value before, especially at a position as demanding as catcher.
But the margin for error is smaller now.
Within the organization, the depth chart has shifted. Prospects and other options have moved ahead, and Lee may find himself further from the majors than he’s been in years.
That’s the reality he faces.
For fans, it’s also a reminder of how perception can differ from reality. It’s easy to believe a player has value based on potential or recent flashes. But when the entire league weighs in—silently, through inaction—the message is hard to ignore.
In this case, it was clear.
And sometimes, the toughest takeaway is simply admitting that the market saw something fans didn’t.
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