Chicago White Sox sign Darren Baker, son of Dusty Baker, to minor league deal. Infielder brings speed, defense and baseball royalty to rebuilding organization.
According to reports, the Chicago White Sox are close to signing infielder Darren Baker to a minor league contract, bringing the son of legendary manager Dusty Baker into the organization and adding intriguing depth to the rebuilding club’s roster.
Legacy Connection
The signing carries significant baseball heritage. Darren, who turns 26 on February 2, is the son of Dusty Baker, the former Houston Astros manager who captured his first World Series title in 2022 and ranks seventh on MLB’s all-time managerial wins list.
Dusty, a likely future Hall of Fame inductee, retired after the 2023 season and currently serves as a special advisor for the San Francisco Giants. He recently announced plans to manage Team Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Professional Background
Baker was originally selected by the Washington Nationals in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley. The 5-foot-10 infielder spent four minor league seasons in the Nationals system before making his MLB debut in 2024.
Story continues below.
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In nine big league games with Washington that year, Baker posted a .500 batting average (7-for-14) with two doubles. However, he spent all of 2025 with Triple-A Rochester, where he hit .260/.348/.325 with one home run and 26 stolen bases before being released in September.
Skill Set and Potential Role
Scouts describe Baker as fundamentally sound with reliable hands, good range, and above-average speed. His contact-oriented approach has produced consistent batting averages throughout the minors, though power remains a question mark.
While unlikely to crack Chicago’s 26-man Opening Day roster, Baker provides versatile infield depth for the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. Injuries or poor performance could create opportunities to play during a long season. Baker could also be utilized in a late-inning pinch runner situation should the White Sox find a need for a base stealer in a bench role throughout the season.
White Sox Rebuilding Context
The signing follows the January 20 trade of center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets for prospects Luisangel Acuña and Truman Pauley. Chicago has also added right-hander Tyson Miller and outfielder Jarred Kelenic on minor league deals recently.
The White Sox have a track record of seeing minor league signings make big league contributions, with players like Joshua Palacios, Travis Jankowski, and Omar Narváez making some impacts after similar deals last offseason.
Iconic Family Moment
If you’ve heard the name Darren Baker before but can’t quite remember where or why, this is probably it.
Darren gained unexpected fame at age 3, serving as the Giants batboy during the 2002 World Series. During Game 5, he wandered near home plate before being scooped up by first baseman J.T. Snow in a moment that prompted MLB to establish a minimum batboy age of 14.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Addition
Baker represents another organizational depth move for Chris Getz and Chicago. A low financial commitment with some legitimate upside. His speed, defense, and baseball pedigree make him a player to monitor throughout Spring Training and the 2026 season.