Mike McDade Released

Mike McDade is going back to the organization he started with. After spending the majority of the 2013 season with the Charlotte Knights, McDade was released by the White Sox on Thursday and was immediately picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays.

McDade, 24, was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 6th round of the 2007 draft. The Las Vegas, Nevada native worked his way through the Toronto system for six seasons from 2007–2012 and had some impressive seasons in the lower levels. He hit 70 home runs over four seasons combined (2009–2012).

However, in November of 2012, he was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays and claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians. He began the 2013 campaign with the Columbus Clippers — but switched dugouts that May.

McDade was hitting .230 through 21 games to start the 2013 season. In May, the 6'1" slugger was designated for assignment by Cleveland and claimed by the White Sox. With the Knights in Columbus for a four-game series against the Clippers, McDade didn’t have to go too far. He switched clubhouses and made his Knights debut on May 7.

In 94 games for the Knights last year, he hit .254 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs. This offseason, McDade was removed from Chicago’s 40-man roster in December and went to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He appeared in four games for the South Siders this spring and hit .400 (2-for-5) with an RBI.

The White Sox are crowded at the first base position — both at the Major League level and even at the Minor League level. They signed Cuban sensation Jose Abreu this offseason, brought back Paul Konerko, and still have Adam Dunn on their Major League roster.

Andy Wilkins and Alex Liddi are two other first baseman in camp. Both are non-roster invitees. Wilkins is currently batting .500 (7-for-14) with four runs scored, one home run, and five RBIs this spring. Liddi is hitting .267 (4-for-15) with two runs scored, one double, one triple, one home run and three RBIs. Dan Black is also a first baseman in the White Sox system who is climbing the ranks. Black hit .290 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs last season for Double-A Birmingham. Black has 52 home runs combined over his last three seasons.

Stay tuned for more updates as we near the start of baseball season. The Knights open the season on the road at Norfolk on April 3.