Image Source: MLB Trade Rumors
Joey Bart is heading to the Chicago White Sox after the club acquired the catcher from the Atlanta Braves on August 3, 2026. In exchange, Atlanta will receive right-hander Duncan Davitt, who was designated for assignment earlier in the day.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the trade, while MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand provided details on the return. The move gives Chicago another experienced option behind the plate as the White Sox attempt to maintain their surprising push into contention.
White Sox Make Critical Catching Addition With Joey Bart
The White Sox entered the 2026 season believing catcher could be one of the strongest positions on their roster. However, injuries and poor offensive production have quickly changed that outlook. Kyle Teel has appeared in only 19 games because of lengthy injured-list stints and is currently recovering from a left ankle sprain.
Teel is not expected back until at least late August, and his eventual return remains uncertain. Edgar Quero has struggled offensively, while Reese McGuire and Drew Romo have provided limited production at the plate. Against that backdrop, Bart represents a practical short-term solution for Chicago.
- Bart is hitting .226/.303/.377 this season.
- He has four home runs across 119 plate appearances.
- His remaining 2026 salary is approximately $840,000.
- He is under arbitration control through the 2027 season.
The numbers are hardly overwhelming, but they compare favorably with the production Chicago has received from its catching group. Bart also brings seven seasons of major league experience, which could be valuable for a pitching staff that has dealt with its own share of inconsistency.
Why Atlanta Braves Moved On From Bart
The Braves acquired Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates in June to provide catching depth while Sean Murphy recovered from injury. With Murphy nearing a return from his minor league rehabilitation assignment, Atlanta is preparing to return to its preferred alignment of Murphy and Drake Baldwin.
That left Bart as the odd man out. Although he had only been with the Braves for a short time, the organization was able to convert his roster spot into a controllable pitcher. Davitt has all three minor league options remaining, giving Atlanta flexibility to move him between the majors and Triple-A.
Bart was once considered one of baseball’s top prospects, but his career has not developed as expected. His 2024 season hinted at a possible breakout, though that progress was followed by a disappointing 2025 campaign. His current slash line is close to his career performance over 1,236 plate appearances.
Duncan Davitt Brings Flexibility to Atlanta
Davitt has moved at the trade deadline for the second consecutive year. The right-hander made his major league debut with Chicago this season, appearing once in April and again shortly before the trade. He owns a 4.50 ERA over two career major league innings.
Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 18th round of the 2022 draft, Davitt has primarily worked as a starting pitcher in the minor leagues. This season, however, he has seen more action out of the bullpen. In 127 2/3 innings at Triple-A, he has posted a 5.78 ERA, a 23.75% strikeout rate and a 9.82% walk rate.
The results suggest Davitt remains a developmental project, but his option flexibility could make him useful for Atlanta’s pitching depth. The Braves can shuttle him between levels without immediately risking his place on the 40-man roster.
What the Joey Bart Trade Means for Chicago
Chicago should not expect Bart to transform a struggling position into a major strength. Instead, the White Sox are adding a low-cost stopgap who can stabilize the position until Teel returns. His familiarity with major league pitching staffs and his experience working through difficult seasons could also benefit Chicago’s younger pitchers.
The deal may create a roster decision involving Quero or Romo once Teel is healthy. Since Bart remains under team control through 2027, the White Sox could also retain him as a backup or explore other catching arrangements during the offseason.
For Atlanta, the move clears space for Murphy’s return while adding a controllable arm. For Chicago, it is a modest but sensible deadline move aimed at addressing an immediate weakness without sacrificing a significant prospect or financial flexibility.
FAQs About Joey Bart’s White Sox Trade
Who did the White Sox acquire in the trade?
Chicago acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Atlanta Braves.
Who did the Braves receive for Bart?
Atlanta received right-handed pitcher Duncan Davitt, who had been designated for assignment earlier that day.
Why did Chicago trade for Bart?
The White Sox needed catching depth because Kyle Teel is sidelined with a left ankle sprain and other catchers have struggled offensively.
How long is Bart under team control?
Bart is arbitration-controlled through the 2027 season, giving Chicago another year of control beyond 2026.
