Analyzing The Kendall Graveman For Korey Lee Trade A Year Later

The White Sox and Astros agreed to a deal during last year’s trade deadline when Kendall Graveman went to Houston for Korey Lee. Almost a year has passed since the trade went down, and given that the two teams begin a series tonight, it is only fitting that we look back at the trade with a fresh perspective.

Graveman’s Time In Chicago

Graveman signed a three-year/$24 million contract with the White Sox in November 2021 to act as a setup man for All-Star closer Liam Hendriks in the White Sox bullpen. Graveman performed well in Chicago, pitching to a 3.30 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 1.32 WHIP, and 8.9 K/9 in 110 appearances. He generally got the job done and was worth what the White Sox paid him. Unfortunately, the team’s success started deteriorating almost immediately after Graveman arrived in Chicago. As a result, the White Sox began a youth movement at last year’s trade deadline and shipped him to Houston to help fortify their bullpen.

Graveman’s Performance Since The Trade

Graveman’s second stint in Houston has been a mixed bag. He performed respectably last season, pitching to a 2.42 ERA in 23 games following the trade. However, his 5.00 FIP and 1.52 WHIP over that span indicate that he was not as good as his ERA said. Graveman also did not pitch during last year’s postseason and has not pitched this season either because of a shoulder issue. The Astros are paying Graveman $8 million this season to sit on the injured list. That is certainly not the outcome they hoped for when they acquired him last year.

Lee’s Time In Houston

Korey Lee, on the other hand, has taken the opposite trajectory since the trade. A former first-round pick by the Astros in 2019, Lee never had a chance to show what he could do at the MLB level in Houston. He was blocked by current White Sox catcher Martín Maldonado and current Astros starting catcher Yainer Díaz in Houston. Lee only played 12 games with the Astros before being shipped to Chicago.

Lee’s Performance Since The Trade

While Lee struggled immensely with the White Sox last season after the trade, he has been a completely different player this season. He has six doubles and six home runs in just 55 games this season and has been even better defensively. Lee ranks first among all MLB catchers in pop time and second in arm strength. His pitch framing and blocking could improve, as could his ability to draw walks. However, his overall growth from last season to this season has been significant and very noticeable. He is now the White Sox starting catcher, taking over the reins from the veteran Maldonado.

Lee Could Be A Long-Term Piece Of The White Sox Puzzle

The 25-year-old Lee will not be a free agent until after the 2029 season. He could very well be a long-term piece of the White Sox puzzle. Catching prospect Edgar Quero is likely the starting catcher of the future in Chicago, but there is no shame in being a backup, especially if said backup puts up the kind of numbers Lee has this season. The White Sox potentially have a very productive catching duo moving forward, thanks partly to the Graveman deal.

The White Sox Easily Win This Trade

It is safe to say the White Sox traded Graveman at the absolute perfect time. They were able to turn an aging, expensive relief pitcher with injury issues into a talented young catcher with a lot of cheap team control remaining. Graveman might never pitch for the Astros again, while Lee’s White Sox career is just in the infancy stages. This trade is already a win for the White Sox, and it could become an even bigger win over time if Lee continues developing and improving his game.