SAN DIEGO — Pointing out the time it takes to fly in a player for a physical, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn sounded pessimistic Tuesday evening about the chances his team makes a free-agent signing during the remaining days of Winter Meetings. It seemed a trade had a better chance of being consummated on the pool deck of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels even strolled past during Hahn’s media session.



“I don’t foresee a White Sox announcement on a free-agent signing while we are here,” Hahn said. “That doesn’t mean such a deal wouldn’t leak out in advance and I would have to sidestep questions from you all until the deal is actually done.”



Sure enough, a trade was completed late Tuesday night, as the White Sox received right fielder Nomar Mazara from the Rangers in exchange for prospect outfielder Steele Walker. The deal gives the Sox a young left-handed right fielder who...