The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Corey Julks from the Houston Astros on Wednesday in exchange for right-hander Luis Rodriguez. The White Sox then optioned Julks to Triple-A Charlotte, recalled outfielder Dominic Fletcher from Charlotte and designated outfielder Rafael Ortega for assignment. While Julks will head to the minors, he's now in a better situation in Chicago to have a shot at playing time at the big-league level later this year. The 28-year-old former eighth-round pick by the Astros in 2017 out of the University of Houston made his major-league debut in 2023 and went 73-for-298 (.245) with six home runs, 33 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 93 games. In 31 games for Triple-A Sugar Land before the trade, he was hitting .266/.358/.444 with an .802 OPS, five homers, 15 RBI and six steals. If he surfaces with Chicago this summer, he'll be worth grabbing in AL-only leagues for his speed.
The Houston Astros optioned rookie outfielder Corey Julks to Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday. Julks will get sent back to the farm after going 13-for-70 (.245) with six home runs, 13 doubles, 32 RBI, 15 stolen bases and 35 runs scored in his first 86 major-league games (311 plate appearances) for the Astros. Those numbers aren't terrible by any means, but the 27-year-old rookie has gone hitless in his last 36 at-bats and hasn't cleared the fences since June 18. Since July 1, he's gone 14-for-75 (.187) with three doubles, five RBI, 16 strikeouts, three stolen bases and five runs scored in 25 games (21 starts). Julks could be back up in short order if he hits well at Triple-A, but for now, his demotion will mean more playing time for Jake Meyers.
Houston Astros outfielder Corey Julks continued to produce at the plate in Monday's 9-2 win over the Blue Jays. The 27-year-old rookie went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run, three RBI, and two strikeouts. Julks is now slashing .310/.302/.524 with two HR and five RBI in 43 plate appearances. He has shown a combination of power and speed potential throughout his Minor League career and is only rostered in one percent of leagues. He could potentially be useful in deep roto leagues if he can get enough playing time in the Astros' strong lineup.
Houston Astros outfielder Corey Julks is in Monday's starting lineup against the Blue Jays and right-hander Kevin Gausman. Houston's outfield is a little banged up with Michael Brantley on the injured list and Chas McCormick sidelined after being pulled from Friday's game with vision issues, so Julks gets an opportunity on Monday. It's the 11th appearance of the season for the 27-year-old who is hitting .289 with one home run across 39 trips to the plate but he's yet to draw a walk in that time. Julks offered a serious combination of power and speed at the Triple-A level last season as he hit 31 home runs along with 22 stolen bases across 130 games. He should continue to see solid playing time as long as McCormick is sidelined.
Houston Astros outfielder Corey Julks is making his major-league debut on Friday against right-hander Lance Lynn and the Chicago White Sox. Julks is serving as the designated hitter and is batting sixth in the lineup. Yainer Diaz was the team's DH on Opening Day on Thursday. Julks is the team's No. 30 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and the 27-year-old hit .270/.351/.503 with an .854 OPS, career-high 31 home runs, 89 RBI, 100 runs scored and 22 stolen bases in 130 games for Triple-A Sugar Land in 2022. Old for a rookie, Julks will have to hit well in his first taste of big-league pitching this year in order to secure regular playing time for a stacked Astros squad. He's probably only worth stashing in AL-only and dynasty/keeper leagues for the time being.
