White Sox utility player Brooks Baldwin underwent an internal brace procedure to repair his right UCL earlier this month. The team broke the news to reporters (including MLB.com’s Scott Merkin) this morning. Baldwin will miss all of the 2026 season, but he is expected to be ready to go for spring training in 2027.
The White Sox selected Baldwin in the 2022 draft. Though he was never a highly-ranked prospect, he hit his way up the minors in 2023 and ’24 and debuted in the second half of the 2024 season. His first taste of the majors wasn’t pretty (.566 OPS, 59 wRC+ in 33 games), but he made some meaningful improvements the following year. In 2025, Baldwin significantly increased his hard-hit rate and more than doubled his barrel rate, finishing with 11 home runs, 27 extra-base hits, and a wRC+ that was only 8% below league average. His walk rate was low, he grounded into a fair number of double plays, and his defensive metrics were shockingly poor across the board. Still, given his near-average offense and impressive versatility (he played second, third, shortstop, and all three outfield positions), it wasn’t hard to imagine the switch-hitting Baldwin blossoming into a productive major league utility player.
The 25-year-old appeared in eight games this spring before the White Sox shut him down with elbow soreness. He was hoping to compete for a more regular role with the club in 2026, likely in center field. Now, he will have to wait until 2027 to try to prove he can take his next step forward at the big league level.
In addition to Baldwin, Chicago recently lost fellow outfielders Austin Hays (hamstring) and Everson Pereira (ankle) to the injured list. Catcher Kyle Teel (hamstring) has also been on the IL since the World Baseball Classic. The team has no more healthy position players on its 40-man roster, though experienced major leaguers such as LaMonte Wade Jr., Jarred Kelenic, and Korey Lee are available at Triple-A.
When did we agree as a society to stop giving our children names that could be taken seriously?
Why do names need to be generic and conform, Michael?
We had part of a slinky. But I straightened it.
Is he 15?
Looks like my high school baseball photo lol
Where is Kelenic?
I’m surprised Merkin had time to do any work. He’s been busy on the Michigan Basketball experience. Good for him and the Meechigan team to win the Natty
well that sucks
Baldwin is my favorite player on the White Sox, hope he can swing a bat soon and is in the cage day and night this off-season.
Pack on a little weight, this kid is going to hit like the famous Brooks Robinson.
Brooks Robinson won 16 Gold Gloves at 3B, give him a run at 3B next season and see if he catches fire.
Its a big loss for the Sox this season. Exciting player.
@ABS
Nothing against Brooks Baldwin, but you carry on like he has some long history of producing for the team. He’s barely played at the big league level and has been below average when he has. I like him as well and believe he has some potential but I’d pump the breaks on comparing him to a well established player like Robinson. It’s also a stretch to call it a big loss when they’re deep with infielders.