Kade McClure of Mentor excited about trade to San Francisco Giants
Dec. 23—Kade McClure has been waiting six years for his shot at pitching in the majors.
That wait has coincided within the White Sox organization, but not anymore.
On Dec. 22, McClure — a Mentor graduate and 2017 draft pick of the White Sox — was part of a one-for-one deal.
The White Sox have acquired Gregory Santos from the Giants in exchange for Kade McClure.
Santos was No. 24 on San Francisco's Top 30: https://t.co/LDKBQWm8ws pic.twitter.com/QFPCdNmskg
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) December 22, 2022
The White Sox acquired pitching prospect Gregory Santos of the San Francisco Giants in exchange for McClure, who turns 27 next month.
The hard-throwing right-hander (who stands 6-foot-7) has no hard feelings toward Chicago, and is excited for a new opportunity to earn a spot with the Giants out of spring training. He's been told by San Francisco the plan is for McClure to start spring training in the big-league camp as a non-roster invitee.
"This could be a really good path for me," said McClure about the possibility at a shot in the majors. "I think it says something about the organization and what they see in me."
McClure finished his sixth season with the White Sox organization in 2022. He pitched the entire season with Chicago's Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte, N.C. In 44 appearances, he started five and finished four others. McClure went 4-4 with a 4.97 ERA. In 87 innings, he struck out 96.
Pitching at Truist Field — home of the Charlotte Knights — is not easy, said McClure.
"It's a small place to pitch," he said. "You really have to learn how to pitch there. A lot of these hitters (at Triple-A) are major-league caliber and it's tough competition."
While at Charlotte, McClure transitioned from being a starter in the Knights' rotation to middle reliever. Going forward in 2023, he's fine in either role because the goal in 2023 is to break through to the major-league level.
"It's been six years with one organization, and I did feel I was getting lost in the shuffle a bit (in Chicago)," said McClure, who said his fastball last season averaged 94.8 mph last season, and topped at 97. "I needed a chance but it didn't happen. It's exciting to see what's on the other side."
If McClure doesn't make the Giants' opening-day roster out of spring training, it's reasonable to think he will begin 2023 with San Francisco's Triple-A team in Sacramento, the River Cats.
