CHICAGO — As the MLB trade deadline approaches, Chicago White Sox pitcher Adrian Houser made a timely statement Monday night by delivering a standout performance in a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Houser, who was acquired by the White Sox in the offseason, pitched six strong innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out seven. The victory helped the Sox continue building momentum after a shaky start to the season — and also put Houser in the spotlight as a potential trade asset for contending teams looking to shore up their rotations.
Houser’s sharp outing fuels speculation
Houser’s command on the mound was evident throughout the game. His fastball consistently hit the upper 90s, while he mixed in a sharp curveball that kept Giants batters off balance.
“He’s found a rhythm these last few starts,” said interim manager Pedro Grifol. “That kind of poise and control is exactly what teams want in a veteran arm at this point in the season.”
With the trade deadline less than a month away, Houser’s name has reportedly come up in discussions among playoff hopefuls, including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles — teams currently jockeying for postseason position.
According to reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times, Houser has quietly been one of the Sox’s most reliable starters this season.
A bright spot in a rebuilding season
The White Sox, currently in a rebuilding phase, have been open about listening to offers for several veterans. Houser, 31, has a respectable 3.65 ERA over his last five outings and has shown the consistency that could yield value in a midseason trade.
Chicago’s front office is reportedly seeking younger pitching prospects in return. MLB.com reports that Houser is among several names drawing early interest from playoff contenders.
White Sox lineup steps up
Offensively, the Sox were powered by a two-run double from Yoán Moncada and a solo homer from Korey Lee. The bullpen held strong in the final three innings, with Michael Kopech earning his 15th save of the season.
The win brings the White Sox to 34-49 on the year — still deep in the AL Central standings, but showing progress in development and cohesion.
Unrelated stock buzz: $SOXS trends online
After the game, some fans noted that the ticker $SOXS — referring to the Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X Shares ETF — trended online due to a humorous mix-up with the team’s name. The fund saw a modest gain on July 1, closing at $8.00, as seen on StockCharts.
While it’s unrelated to Adrian Houser or the White Sox, the timing drew playful social media commentary from investors and baseball fans alike.
What’s next for the White Sox?
The White Sox continue their homestand this week against the Cleveland Guardians. With trade talks heating up, Houser’s next outing could be watched closely — not just by fans, but by scouts from across the league.
What do you think the Sox should do at the deadline — trade Houser or keep him? Drop your take at chicagosuburbanfamily.com and join the conversation on Chicago’s changing roster.
