In an unexpected twist, two former Chicago White Sox players have reunited, but this time, they’ll be wearing different colored socks as they embark on new journeys with different teams.
Outfielder Adam Eaton and pitcher James Shields, both pivotal members of the White Sox roster during the 2016 season, are back in the spotlight — but not as teammates on Chicago’s South Side. After spending the majority of their careers in Major League Baseball with a mix of clubs, the duo has now found themselves on opposite sides of the league.
Eaton, who has spent the last few seasons bouncing between teams like the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs, has signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2025 season. His return to the National League comes after a series of injuries, but he’s eager for a fresh start in St. Louis, where he’ll join a squad that has championship aspirations.
Meanwhile, Shields, the veteran right-hander known for his steady contributions in the White Sox rotation, has inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. A career that saw him pitch for multiple teams, including a notable tenure with the White Sox from 2016 to 2018, has come full circle as Shields looks to provide veteran leadership to a young Twins pitching staff.
The two players, who helped lead the White Sox during a rebuilding phase nearly a decade ago, spoke about their reunion in a joint interview. “It’s funny how the game works,” Eaton remarked, “You spend so many years battling together on the field, and then, all of a sudden, you’re on different teams in different divisions. But that’s baseball.”
Shields added, “I’ve faced Adam on the mound and hit against him in some spring games, so it’s going to be strange, but also fun. We’re both still grinding and pushing ourselves to stay relevant in this league.”
Despite wearing different colored socks now, both Eaton and Shields share a common bond of having once been key pieces in the White Sox’ efforts to rebuild their roster in the mid-2010s. Their new teams, each vying for a playoff spot in 2025, hope to benefit from the experience and leadership both veterans bring to the table.
