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Baker was traded from the Rays to the White Sox on Tuesday in exchange for Matt Thaiss.
A fourth-round selection in 2021, Baker performed well until he reached an age-appropriate level at Double-A in 2023 as a 23-year-old. Since then, he's performed near league-average rates as an overall hitter while failing to hit for much power (two homers in 162 games above High-A). Baker has primarily played the corner-outfield spots over the last couple years while also seeing time in center field and at second base.
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Rays' Dru Baker: Finishes season at Double-A
Rotowire
Baker slashed .287/.346/.417 with one home run, 11 steals and a 22 percent strikeout rate in 30 games for Double-A Montgomery.
The 23-year-old outfielder posted a .307/.396/.491 slash line with 13 home runs and 38 steals in 90 games for High-A Bowling Green, but given that he was a couple years older than the typical prospect at that level, Baker's run at Double-A is more instructive. He split time pretty evenly between the three outfield spots, and given his plus-plus speed, Baker could provide some defensive value. The big question is whether he will do enough damage at the plate to avoid getting pigeonholed as a fourth or fifth outfielder. He should split his age-24 season between Double-A and Triple-A.
