White Sox Sign Oliver Dunn, Tim Elko to Minors

The Chicago White Sox have quietly made a pair of moves that could pay off down the road. They inked infielders Oliver Dunn and Tim Elko to minor league deals.

Neither signing will dominate headlines, but both players offer interesting depth and roster flexibility. The club is still searching for answers across the infield and at first base, so these moves make sense.

White Sox Add Infield Depth With Low-Risk Signings

In today’s game, teams often build success on the margins. The White Sox are taking a smart, low-cost swing at reinforcing their infield depth chart.

By bringing in Oliver Dunn and Tim Elko, the organization bets that a new environment and some opportunity could unlock more than their early big league numbers show.

Oliver Dunn: Versatile Infielder Gets Fresh Start

Dunn comes to Chicago on a minor league contract with an invite to major league Spring Training. That’s a clear sign the White Sox want to see what he can do against big league competition.

At 26, Dunn has a limited MLB track record. His profile is attractive for front offices: versatile, athletic, and able to handle multiple spots on the diamond.

Over two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Dunn appeared in 55 games. He produced a .206/.261/.290 slash line.

Those numbers aren’t flashy, but they don’t tell the whole story. His 2024 campaign was disrupted by a back injury, which affected his performance and led to him being designated for assignment.

Defensively, Dunn plays mostly second and third base. The Brewers also used him at shortstop and left field, showing off his flexibility.

That’s exactly what teams want in a modern bench piece, especially in the era of the 26-man roster. Every spot needs to matter.

For the White Sox, Dunn’s path is straightforward:

If he can stay healthy and tap into some of the offensive potential he showed in the minors, Dunn could become a handy option for the manager and front office.

Tim Elko: Power Bat on the Comeback Trail

While Dunn will be on the field in Arizona, Tim Elko heads down a different road this spring. The 10th-round pick from the 2022 draft signed his minor league deal while still rehabbing from an ACL surgery performed in October.

It’s a tough knee injury, and it’ll keep him out of major league Spring Training. The White Sox non-tendered Elko in November, a procedural move that opened a spot on the 40-man roster.

They didn’t give up on him, though. By re-signing him to a minor league deal, they kept him in the system without the roster crunch.

Elko’s recovery timeline is about eight months. A realistic window for his return and possible consideration for the 26-man roster probably won’t come until at least July.

His rookie season in the majors was cut short by the injury and was uneven at the plate: a .134/.194/.328 line over 72 plate appearances in 23 games.

Those numbers are rough, but context matters. He was a young hitter adjusting to MLB pitching, likely playing through the early stages of a serious knee issue.

The White Sox still see enough in Elko’s offensive upside—especially his power—to keep him around. He could be a future option at first base or designated hitter once he’s healthy.

How Dunn and Elko Fit the White Sox Roster Puzzle

Big league rosters aren’t built only on star power. They’re held together by the quality of the 21st through 40th players in the organization.

That’s where Dunn and Elko come in. Neither signing carries financial risk or a long-term commitment, yet both address specific organizational needs.

Depth, Flexibility, and First Base Insurance

For Chicago, the benefits are clear:

These are classic low-risk, medium-reward moves. If Dunn steps up as a steady utility guy, the Sox have found a bargain.

If Elko’s bat bounces back when his knee does, that’s a legit power bat to slot in later on.

 
Here is the source article for this story: White Sox Sign Oliver Dunn, Tim Elko To Minor League Deals