Chase Meidroth’s Historic MLB Debut Sparks White Sox Rout of Red Sox Chicago’s newest infielder becomes first since Larry Walker in 1989 to notch hit, three walks in first game
CHICAGO — Chase Meidroth’s long-awaited major league debut unfolded with poetic symmetry Friday night as the 23-year-old infielder tormented his former team, the Boston Red Sox, with a masterclass in plate discipline to power the Chicago White Sox to an 11-1 victory at Rate Field.
A debut for the ages Meidroth, called up from Triple-A Charlotte less than 24 hours earlier, wasted no time making history. The No. 8 White Sox prospect drew a four-pitch walk in his first MLB plate appearance during the second inning, later scoring on Jacob Amaya’s two-run double. He then singled to right field in the fourth, added walks in the fifth and seventh innings, and exited in the eighth to a standing ovation — having reached base in all four plate appearances without recording an out.
According to OptaSTATS, Meidroth became the first player since Hall of Famer Larry Walker (August 16, 1989) to record a hit and three walks in his MLB debut. His 15-pitch performance exemplified the plate discipline that made him a standout in the minors, where he posted a .425 career on-base percentage with 207 walks.
“Full-circle moment” against former club The night carried extra significance for Meidroth, whom Boston drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft before trading him to Chicago last December as part of a four-player package for left-hander Garrett Crochet.
“It feels like a full-circle moment,” said Meidroth, who received congratulatory texts from former Red Sox teammates pregame. “I had many guys from that team texting me last night saying they were excited to see me. I’m thrilled to compete against them”.
Defensive polish complements offensive surge While his bat dominated headlines, Meidroth showcased defensive instincts in the second inning with a slick double play turn on Blake Sabol’s grounder. The White Sox’s eight-game losing streak dissolved behind his efforts, as the team erupted for four runs in the fourth inning alone.
Front office validation White Sox GM Chris Getz, who designated reliever Justin Anderson for assignment to clear roster space, praised Meidroth’s maturity: “We want him to feel comfortable and just be himself. I’m proud of how he’s conducted himself”.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who managed Meidroth in 2024 spring training, predicted stardom: “People are going to fall in love with that kid. He’s a really good player”.
The Crochet connection The trade that brought Meidroth to Chicago — which also included top prospects Kyle Teel (No. 2 in Chicago’s system) and Braden Montgomery (No. 5) — loomed large as Crochet prepares to face his former team Sunday. Meidroth’s .437 OBP at Triple-A Worcester in 2024 made him an ideal candidate to jumpstart Chicago’s struggling lineup.
As fireworks lit the Chicago sky, Meidroth summarized his milestone with characteristic understatement: “I had a lot of fun. It’s great that we won”. For a franchise rebuilding around young talent, Friday night offered a glimpse of a disciplined, dynamic future.
Stat line that matters
- 4 plate appearances: 1 single, 3 walks, 2 runs
- 15 pitches seen: 5 swings, 10 balls in play
- .437 OBP in 2024 (Red Sox Triple-A)
- 207 walks vs. 185 strikeouts (minor league career)