GLENDALE, Arizona – Veteran catcher Reese McGuire is returning to the Chicago White Sox, the team announced Sunday. The one-year, $1.2 million contract brings McGuire back to a familiar organization as they prepare for the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The deal provides McGuire with a new opportunity after a recent release from the Milwaukee Brewers, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
McGuire, 31, signed a minor league contract with the Brewers in late January but was released earlier Sunday, clearing the way for his return to the White Sox. He previously played for Chicago during the 2022 season and will now gaze to contribute to a team aiming to improve its performance in the American League Central division. The White Sox finished fourth in the AL Central in 2025 with a 61-101 record, according to MLB.com.
Last season, McGuire played for the Chicago Cubs, where he batted .226 with nine home runs and 24 runs batted in. His offensive contributions, combined with his defensive skills behind the plate, make him a valuable addition to the White Sox roster. Throughout his career, McGuire has demonstrated a strong ability to control the running game, having thrown out 27.1% of potential base stealers, as reported by the Associated Press.
Originally drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013, McGuire has played for five major league teams: the Toronto Blue Jays, the White Sox, the Boston Red Sox, the Cubs, and now, again, the White Sox. His career batting average stands at .248, with 25 home runs across those stints. The signing of McGuire adds depth to the White Sox’s catching position, providing manager Pedro Grifol with another option alongside current catchers.
McGuire’s Recent Transactions and Performance
The move to re-acquire McGuire comes after he was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Prior to joining the Brewers, McGuire spent the 2025 season with the Cubs, where he saw action in 88 games. His performance with the Cubs included a .226 batting average, nine home runs, and 24 RBIs. He likewise played a key role in defensive strategies, showcasing his ability to prevent stolen bases.
Career Highlights and Defensive Prowess
Throughout his MLB career, McGuire has established himself as a reliable defensive catcher. His 27.1% caught stealing percentage demonstrates his ability to effectively shut down opposing teams’ running games. This skill is particularly valuable in a league where base stealing continues to be a significant part of offensive strategy. He has consistently shown a strong arm and quick release, making him a deterrent for potential base stealers.
In a game against the Chicago Cubs on May 25, 2025, McGuire hit a solo home run, contributing to an 11-9 victory for the Cubs over the Cincinnati Reds, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. This highlights his ability to deliver clutch hits in key moments. He also contributed to a 12-run offensive outburst by the White Sox against the Cubs in a game on an unspecified date, as noted by MLB.com.
The White Sox are hoping McGuire’s experience and defensive capabilities will bolster their team as they navigate the competitive American League Central. His return to Chicago provides a sense of familiarity and stability to the catching position, potentially contributing to improved team performance throughout the 2026 season.
What comes next for McGuire and the White Sox will be closely watched as they head into spring training and prepare for the regular season. The team will be looking for McGuire to provide a steady presence behind the plate and contribute both offensively and defensively. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his addition impacts the White Sox’s overall performance in the upcoming season.
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