Brewers Swap Civale for Vaughn in Surprise Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Aaron Civale was traded to the Chicago White Sox from the Milwaukee Brewers just one day after expressing a desire to remain in a starting rotation. The right-hander will immediately join Chicago’s rotation and start Sunday’s game in Texas. Milwaukee received struggling first baseman Andrew Vaughn and cash in the deal.
Quick Looks
- Civale traded to White Sox after rotation removal
- Brewers receive 1B Andrew Vaughn and $807,000
- Civale starts Sunday vs. Texas in rotation debut
- Move follows Civale’s comments on wanting to start
- Milwaukee has surplus of pitchers including Misiorowski
- Vaughn optioned to Triple-A Nashville after trade
- Civale has 122 MLB starts, 4.06 ERA career
- White Sox continue adding ex-Brewers to their roster
Deep Look
Aaron Civale’s path back to a starting rotation came with a detour through a trade deadline-like transaction. Just one day after expressing his wish to stay in a starting role — even if it meant leaving Milwaukee — the Brewers made it happen, dealing the veteran right-hander to the Chicago White Sox. The swap, which also includes cash considerations, brings first baseman Andrew Vaughn to Milwaukee in what could become a mutually beneficial shift for both franchises.
Civale’s desire for clarity was no secret. On his 30th birthday, the right-hander told reporters, “We’re exploring opportunities for me to get back into a rotation, whether that’s here or elsewhere.” Just 24 hours later, the decision was made for him — and he’s now slated to start Sunday’s series finale for Chicago against the Texas Rangers.
This trade ends a short-lived stint in Milwaukee for Civale, who had joined the Brewers last July in a deal with Tampa Bay. He’d previously spent the bulk of his career with the Cleveland Guardians, showing flashes of consistency and reliability across multiple seasons. While Civale pitched in relief in a couple of postseason games — one with Cleveland in 2022 and another last year with Milwaukee — all 122 of his regular-season MLB appearances have been as a starter.
So far in 2025, Civale holds a 1-2 record with a 4.91 ERA, having allowed seven runs across 19 innings in four starts since returning from a left hamstring strain in late May. Though those numbers aren’t dazzling, Civale brings veteran know-how and durability — a commodity the rebuilding White Sox are in desperate need of.
White Sox manager Will Venable praised the acquisition. “A guy that’s been a consistent performer in this league for six years,” Venable said. “He gives us a good chance to eat innings, to develop young arms, and to stay competitive.”
Chicago, in full rebuild mode, continues to fill roster holes with former Brewers. Civale becomes the third player in recent weeks to land in a White Sox uniform after passing through Milwaukee’s system. The team also acquired infielder Vinny Capra via waivers and signed pitcher Tyler Alexander after he was designated for assignment by the Brewers. These incremental moves reflect the team’s search for stopgaps and veteran influence amid a youth-focused transition.
Milwaukee’s decision to move Civale was less about performance and more about opportunity cost. The club recently promoted top pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski, who dazzled in his MLB debut Thursday by throwing five innings of no-hit ball against the Cardinals. With Freddy Peralta, José Quintana, Quinn Priester, and Chad Patrick already in the rotation, there simply wasn’t space for Civale anymore.
Rather than move him to a bullpen role — something Civale wasn’t keen on — Milwaukee capitalized on his starter value, particularly to a rotation-starved team like the White Sox. The trade also provided the Brewers a potential upside bat in return.
Andrew Vaughn, the centerpiece headed to Milwaukee, has had a disappointing 2025 campaign, hitting just .189 with a .218 on-base percentage, five home runs, and 19 RBIs in 48 games before being optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. The once-heralded slugger, selected third overall in the 2019 MLB Draft out of Cal, has yet to fully tap into the power and consistency scouts projected for him. However, at just 27 years old, Vaughn still holds promise and offers positional flexibility at first base and both corner outfield spots.
Vaughn will report to the Brewers’ Triple-A Nashville affiliate, where he’ll look to reboot his season and potentially reenter the major league picture. His career stats show potential — a .248 batting average with 77 home runs and 293 RBIs across 610 games. A change in scenery could help rekindle his approach and confidence.
The trade is emblematic of a broader recalibration occurring in both organizations. Milwaukee is positioning itself for sustained contention with emerging young arms and strategic depth, while Chicago is focused on rebuilding its core with experienced veterans who can serve as mentors or trade chips down the line.
Meanwhile, both clubs remained active on Friday with additional roster maneuvers. The Brewers called up pitcher Grant Anderson and outfielder Drew Avans from Triple-A, while placing Daz Cameron on the paternity list. The White Sox, in turn, reinstated pitcher Tyler Gilbert from the injured list, recalled infielder Brooks Baldwin, claimed first baseman Ryan Noda off waivers from the Red Sox, and designated outfielder Joshua Palacios for assignment.
In the end, the Civale-for-Vaughn deal could be judged by which player finds their footing first. Civale has a clear opportunity to solidify himself as a rotation mainstay on a rebuilding team. For Vaughn, the road to redemption starts in Triple-A, but the door remains wide open.
If both players capitalize on their fresh starts, this trade may ultimately be remembered as a win-win — a rare feat in midseason MLB roster reshuffling.
Brewers Swap Civale Brewers Swap Civale
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