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White Sox Waive Rule 5 Draft Pick, Retain Other
Chicago's gamble on Alexander Alberto doesn't pay off, but Jedixson Paez still has a chance to make the roster.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:38pm
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The Chicago White Sox have decided to waive Rule 5 draft pick Alexander Alberto, who struggled in spring training, while keeping fellow Rule 5 selection Jedixson Paez on the roster. If Alberto clears waivers, the Tampa Bay Rays will have the option to add him back to their organization. The White Sox are now focused on determining if Paez, a 22-year-old former Red Sox prospect, deserves a spot in their bullpen despite never pitching above Double-A.
Why it matters
The Rule 5 draft is an important tool for teams to find hidden talent, as the White Sox did in 2025 with Shane Smith. However, keeping Rule 5 picks on the roster is a risky proposition, as the players must make the big league club or be offered back to their original teams. The White Sox's decisions on Alberto and Paez will impact the makeup of their bullpen to start the season.
The details
The White Sox selected both Alberto and Paez in the 2026 Rule 5 draft, with Alberto coming from the Tampa Bay Rays and Paez from the Boston Red Sox. Alberto struggled mightily in spring training, posting a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 innings, and the team has now placed him on waivers. If he clears waivers, the Rays will have the option to add him back to their organization. Paez has also had a rough spring, with an 8.53 ERA, but has shown some improvement in his last few outings. The White Sox are now weighing whether to keep the 22-year-old on their Opening Day roster, despite his lack of experience above Double-A.
- The White Sox selected both Jedixson Paez and Alexander Alberto in the 2026 Rule 5 draft.
- Alberto posted a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 innings of spring training action.
The players
Alexander Alberto
A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who the White Sox selected from the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2026 Rule 5 draft. He struggled in spring training and has now been placed on waivers.
Jedixson Paez
A 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who the White Sox selected from the Boston Red Sox in the 2026 Rule 5 draft. He has had a rough spring training but is still being considered for a spot on the White Sox's Opening Day roster.
What they’re saying
“White Sox have placed Rule 5 pick RHP Alexander Alberto on waivers, per a source.”
— James Fegan, Reporter
What’s next
If Alexander Alberto clears waivers, the Tampa Bay Rays will have the option to add him back to their organization by paying half of the $100,000 selection fee. The White Sox must now decide if they will keep Jedixson Paez on their Opening Day roster, despite his lack of experience above Double-A.
The takeaway
The White Sox's decisions on their Rule 5 draft picks highlight the risks and potential rewards of the annual event. While they struck gold with Shane Smith last year, keeping Rule 5 selections is a difficult proposition, as demonstrated by their struggles with Alberto. The team's willingness to take a chance on young, unproven talent like Paez could pay dividends, but also carries significant risk.
