White Sox trade Slater to Yankees

The Chicago White Sox traded outfielder Austin Slater to the New York Yankees for minor-league right-hander Gage Ziehl, the teams announced Wednesday.

"I'm really excited to go and play for the Yankees," Slater said after learning of the trade, according to Chuck Garfien of Chicago Sports Network. "It's one of those teams as a kid you always dream about playing for, and they're in a race for the playoffs."

Slater is hitting .236/.299/.423 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 51 games this season.

The 32-year-old has hit left-handed pitching well throughout his career, posting a .798 OPS against southpaws. Slater owns an .859 OPS against lefties this campaign and hit all five of his homers off them. He also has defensive experience at first base.

The Yankees selected Ziehl, 22, in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. He owns a 4.15 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 82 1/3 innings across three minor-league levels this season.

Slater is the Yankees' latest addition ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. New York also acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon and utility player Amed Rosario over the last week.

The Yankees are playing without captain Aaron Judge, who is on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Slater was activated by the Yankees ahead of Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays but is not starting. To make room for him on the active roster, the team optioned catcher J.C. Escarra to Triple-A.