BOSTON — When Chase Meidroth was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the infielder envisioned making his major-league debut at Fenway Park in a Red Sox uniform.
But when it became clear that White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet was available for trade, the Red Sox became one of the teams linked to him.
For a deal to be made, it was going to take a hefty haul of prospect capital. Meidroth was on the phone with fellow prospect Marcelo Mayer when news of the Crochet trade broke. The two had grown close because of their California roots, and they trained together after the 2023 season, which they spent at Double-A.
As they processed the trade and ruminated on who would be included, Meidroth received a call from Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
“I got the call, and I was on the phone with Marcelo like, ‘Yeah, I think it’s me,’ ” Meidroth said.
Meidroth, catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez were sent to the White Sox for Crochet in December.
Friday marked Meidroth’s second time at Fenway Park, the first being in January 2024 for Fenway Fest, the Red Sox’ unofficial season kickoff event.
“Full circle to be back here,” Meidroth said.
Meidroth said he keeps regular contact with his former teammates, such as center fielder Roman Anthony, utility player Romy Gonzalez and Mayer. He’s appreciative of the opportunity the Red Sox gave him.
“I have nothing but respect for them and this organization,” Meidroth said. “They gave me the opportunity to play pro baseball, so I got nothing but good things to say about them.
“But I’m on the other side right now, and this weekend, I’m trying to beat them.”
Vasil’s homecoming
Sox reliever Mike Vasil can still remember the first Red Sox game he went to in 2004. The specifics are hazy, thanks to his youth, but the Boston native vividly remembers Bartolo Colon being on the mound for the Angels.
Vasil, whom the White Sox claimed off waivers from the Rays in the offseason, played at Fenway on Friday for the first time. The early-2000s Red Sox made an impact on Vasil.
“Favorite player quickly became [former Red Sox star] David Ortiz being a Boston guy,” Vasil said. “Pitching-wise, Josh Beckett and all those guys like [six-time All-Star Jonathan Papelbon] and [three-time World Series champion] Jon Lester.”
Vasil has carved out a long-relief role with the White Sox. He has pitched 12 scoreless innings so far.
“It’s nice to have when we need multiple innings out of the bullpen for him to be so effective,” manager Will Venable said
Vargas struggles
The results haven’t been there for third baseman Miguel Vargas. He’s batting just .145/.234/.203 in 19 games after entering the game Friday as a pinch hitter and going 0-for-2.
Venable said the staff was pleased to see Vargas hit the ball hard in the game Tuesday against the Athletics.
“That’s what we were waiting to see a little more of, where he’s making good swing decisions, having quality at-bats,” Venable said. “Just need to impact the ball a little bit more, but feel like it’s coming for him.”
