White Sox Add Former Top Prospect From Guardians
The Chicago White Sox were busy on Thursday, making a couple of minor trades. After trading outfielder Derek Hill to the Philadelphia Phillies, the White Sox acquired a former top prospect from the Cleveland Guardians.
Chicago traded $250,000 in international pool money to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfielder Nolan Jones and cash considerations. Jones, 28, was drafted by Cleveland in the second-round of the 2016 June MLB Amateur Draft, but was traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2022 for Juan Brito. Many thought that Jones would flourish in the hitter-friendly environment in Colorado, but he never quite lived up to expectations. In 2023, he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
White Sox have acquired OF Nolan Jones and cash considerations from Cleveland in exchange for $250,000 in International Pool money. Jones will report to Class AAA Charlotte on a minor-league deal.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) June 12, 2026
In 2025, Jones was traded by the Rockies back to Cleveland in exchange for Tyler Freeman. He played in 134 games for the Guardians in 2025, posting a slash line of .211/.296/.304, with five home runs, 34 RBI, and eight stolen bases. With the promotion of top prospect Chase DeLauter to the Opening Day roster this year, Jones found himself as the odd man out to begin the season. The Guardians chose to outright Jones to Triple-A at the end of Spring Training, so he will not immediately occupy a spot on Chicago's 40-man roster.
At Columbus, Jones flashed some of that top prospect pedigree this season. Through 52 games, Jones has a .845 OPS with eight home runs and 31 RBI.
White Sox add OF Nolan Jones from Cleveland for $250K in international pool money.
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) June 12, 2026
Jones will report to @KnightsBaseball on a MiLB deal. #WhiteSoxpic.twitter.com/EHHTY96O8H
The White Sox have an exciting young core and currently occupy the top spot in the AL Central Division, a half-game up on the Guardians. Chicago has plenty of youth in their outfield, currently anchored by Sam Antonacci, Tristan Peters, and a combination of Randal Grichuk, Braden Montgomery, and Andrew Benintendi. With Chicago currently in the race for an MLB Playoff spot, management is starting to add some depth pieces and more experience to the roster.
Jones will be sent directly to Triple-A Charlotte, but could be an option later in the season if needed. If the White Sox do call Jones up, he could be eligible for arbitration, as he wouldn't be an unrestricted free agent until 2029. If Jones remains in the minors, he would become a minor league free agent at the end of the season.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 6:09 PM.