Elko was a 10th-round pick for the White Sox in the 2022 draft, and he will continue his career with the organization after going undrafted in November. That move opened up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster, and it’s fair to guess that the two sides likely had a handshake agreement to bring back Elko on relatively short notice. Elko’s surgery involved an eight-month recovery time, so he won’t factor into a potential return to the 26-man roster until July.
The torn right ACL meant a sour end to Elko’s first big league season, as he made his debut in May. Elko hit just .134/.194/.328 in 72 plate appearances in 23 games, while also spending four weeks on the injured list due to a right knee sprain that now appears to be a harbinger of his ACL issues. The White Sox are expected to do something to improve their first base position, but if they hold up more or less, it could give Elko a little more opportunity to see what he can do against MLB competition when healthy.
Dunn’s MLB resume consists of 55 games with the Brewers over the past two seasons, and just a .206/.261/.290 slash line for 145 PA. Much of Dunn’s 2024 rookie was on the injured list due to a back injury, but while Dunn was still in the mix for regular infield duties with Milwaukee entering this season, his lack of offense made him an afterthought. The Brewers designated Dunn for assignment and cut him from their 40-man roster in September, and Dunn opted for minor league free agency at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Dunn has played primarily at second and third base during his pro career, but he has made a handful of appearances as a left fielder, shortstop and a few cameos at first base. The White Sox will see what Dunn can do in the battle for a bench job this spring, and he could be retained as minor league depth even if he doesn’t break camp.
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