"That isn't Pete Alonso;" "Sign Roki Sasaki" - Fans react to the White Sox acquiring Tyler Gilbert from the Phillies in a New Year's Day deal

The Chicago White Sox are coming off one of the worst seasons in the history of North American sports, posting a 41-121 record in 2024. Even though the team is not expected to compete for the postseason this upcoming season, it has not prevented the club from adding veteran players to their roster ahead of 2025.

On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox added yet another veteran talent to their roster, acquiring Tyler Gilbert from the Philadelphia Phillies in a New Year's Day deal. In exchange for Gilbert, the Phillies acquired minor league pitcher Aaron Combs from Chicago.

The 31-year-old from Santa Cruz, California saw limited action in the Majors in 2024, appearing in only 8.1 innings for the Philadelphia Phillies. In that small stretch, Gilbert posted a 3.24 ERA and four strikeouts out of the bullpen for the club.

Even though Gilbert might get an extended opportunity with the White Sox, it was not the blockbuster news that MLB fans were hoping to see to start the year.

"That isn't Alonso," one fan posted on social media.

"Sign Roki Sasaki," another fan added.

Even though the move is relatively minor, fans from across baseball couldn't help themselves from taking shots at the struggling franchise and their polarizing front office and owner. After losing an MLB-record 121 games in 2024, perhaps these sentiments are warranted until things improve in Chicago.

"Management thought Logan Gilbert," one fan shared.

"They will probably lose more games than they did last year," another fan posted.

"Sell the team," one more fan added.

Chicago owner Jerry Reinsdorf has received plenty of backlash from Chicago White Sox fans who are frustrated and concerned with the direction the club is headed.

Despite winning the American League Central back in 2021, the club has been in a rapid tailspin in recent seasons, leading to the front office trading away a list of notable veterans, including Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito and Garrett Crochet.

Tyler Gilbert is the latest veteran addition for the White Sox this offseason despite being in rebuilding phase

It's been well documented that Chicago is in a full-on rebuild, however, they still need to field a team for the 2025 season. Instead of chasing high-priced, big-name free agents, the front office has been busy adding veteran talents that could not only help guide some of their younger players, but could also be seen as potential trade chips at the deadline.

Aside from Tyler Gilbert, Chicago signed veteran free agents Bryse Wilson, Mike Tauchman, and Austin Slater, while also landing Matt Thaiss from the Chicago Cubs in a trade.

It will be interesting to see if some other unsigned veterans agreed to one-year deals with the club before the beginning of Spring Training.