Chicago White Sox exec explains Andrew Vaughn demotion

As a former No. 3 overall pick, Andrew Vaughn was expected to play a major role in the Chicago White Sox’s rebuild. However, his 2025 output wasn’t even up to the White Sox’s 17-36 standards.

Chicago ultimately decided to demote Vaughn to Triple-A. He was hitting .189 with five home runs and 19 RBI. Still, White Sox Director of Hitting Ryan Fuller doesn’t think that means Vaughn is a certified bust.

Instead, he is looking at the demotion as a way to refresh the slugger. Fuller is hoping Vaughn continues to work on his mechanics and focus on what helped him make it to the majors in the first place, via Lamond Pope of the Chicago Tribune.

“Like any player, over the course of a season, there are little things you do one day that add up and you kind of get to a point where how do I get back to what I do at my best,” Fuller said. “That’s what we see this as, a quick reset to go down there like any player, get your body in good position, have your bat path work through the zone so you have coverage and then being able to execute your game plan when you go in and swing where you want to swing. Take when you want to take. Looking forward to working with him.”

Chicago White Sox counting on Andrew Vaughn turnaround

Over his entire five-year career with the White Sox, Vaughn has hit .248 with 77 home runs and 293 RBI. There have been flashes of brilliance, as the corner infielder had at least 15 home runs every year leading up to 2024. However, he has failed to live up to his No. 3 pick potential.

The 2021 season has been his best on paper, as Vaughn’s 1.1 Wins over Replacement is the only year rating has been over one. That year, he hit .258 with 21 home runs and 80 RBI. Both remain career-highs. While Vaughn has failed to reach those numbers again, his 2024 campaign wasn’t anything to sneeze at. He led the team with 70 RBI and ranked second in home runs with 19.

Vaughn’s biggest problem is consistency. During the 2025 season, he holds a 34.2 percent chase rate, the highest of his career, via Jack Ankony. His .314 slugging percentage was also the lowest of his career, as was his .218 OBP. Overall, something was clearly wrong with Vaughn’s approach, leading the White Sox to make his decision.

But if the first baseman can figure out his approach at the plate in the minors, Chicago certainly has a spot on the roster for him. At 27-years-old, the White Sox are hoping Vaughn will still be a contributor when the team is ready to compete again. How he handles this demotion will be very telling. In Fuller’s eyes though, he has all the confidence that Vaughn will find his stride.