White Sox claim Mike Olt off waivers from Cubs

The White Sox have claimed third baseman Mike Olt off waivers from the Cubs, according to a club announcement. Olt was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs.

Olt, 27, was once thought of as one of the best prospects in baseball, being ranked as the 22nd-best prospect in the game before the 2013 season by Baseball America. The Rangers draftee was one of the centerpieces sent from the Cubs to the Rangers in the Matt Garza blockbuster in 2013, but has struggled in his time with the Cubs and did not factor into the clubs' plans with Kris Bryant at third base for the foreseeable future.

In 111 games over three major-league seasons with the Rangers (2012) and Cubs (2014-2014), Olt has hit just .158/.245/.333 with thirteen home runs while spending a significant amount of time at Triple-A. He has dealt with physical problems (eye issues and a broken wrist) during that time, never turning into the player that many thought he would as he rose through the minors.

For the White Sox, Olt will provide an option at third base alongside Tyler Saladino and Gordon Beckham, allowing his new team to evaluate him throughout the season's final month. It makes sense for a non-contender to take a no-risk flier on Olt due to his raw talent, as he is a classic change-of-scenery candidate.