Former Astros Outfielder Gets Shown the Door by AL Bottomfeeder

This ex-Astros outfielder is out of a job after getting DFA'd by one of the worst teams in the majors.
Mar 8, 2024; Clearwater, Florida, USA;  Houston Astros left fielder Corey Julks (9) prepares for batting practice before the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark/
Mar 8, 2024; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Corey Julks (9) prepares for batting practice before the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark/ | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The 2025 MLB regular season is entering its final stretch as multiple teams in the American and National Leagues are vying for wild-card spots, division titles, and a potential playoff bye.

The Houston Astros are one of those teams, as they’re one game ahead of the Seattle Mariners for first place in the AL West. Every game from now until the end of the season is important, as the 'Stros need everyone playing their best.

For those players who don’t play well or struggle at the plate or mound, Houston will more than likely send them to the minors or designate them for assignment

That was the scenario for an ex-Astros outfielder on Tuesday, who will have to search for a new team with only weeks left in the 2025 campaign.

Former Astros OF Corey Julks Gets DFA’d by Chicago White Sox

On Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox announced that they designated 29-year-old outfielder Corey Julks for assignment. Julks, who began his career with the Astros, has spent the last two seasons in the Windy City.

The right-handed hitting outfielder didn’t spend a lot of time in the big leagues with the White Sox this season, playing in four games. During that stretch, the ex-Astro hit .375 with two doubles.

However, in the minor leagues at Triple-A Charlotte, Julks tore the cover off the ball. He hit .295 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI. The right-handed outfielder also had an OPS of .843, along with 26 doubles, and recorded 13 stolen bases.

The former Houston draft pick played in 66 games last season with the White Sox after the Astros traded him to Chicago in exchange for Luis Rodriguez. Julks struggled to find consistency at the plate, slashing .214/.275/.306 with three home runs and 14 RBI.

Julks also played seven games down at Triple-A Charlotte last season. As for his time in Space City, the former eighth-round pick spent seven years in the minors before making his MLB debut on March 31, 2023, against, interestingly enough, the White Sox.

The 5-foot-11 outfielder went 1-for-4 against Chicago in his debut. Julks ultimately played in 93 games, hitting .245 with six home runs and 33 RBI. Before the Astros traded Julks earlier in the 2024 season, they had designated him for assignment, which led to him being moved to the White Sox.

Now back in the DFA position again, Julks will see if he goes unclaimed through waivers, which would allow him to either go back to Triple-A Charlotte, or potentially try his luck in free agency to pick his next opportunity.

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