Peters, after family health scare, adds to whirlwind '26 in 1st career All-Star Game

PHILADELPHIA -- It has been a week that Tristan Peters will surely never forget. In just about every way.

And frankly, if it had been just a little bit less memorable, he’d be fine with that. But as a once-in-a-lifetime stretch came to an end with his first All-Star appearance, Peters was able to focus on the many indelible memories he’s made and view it all with appreciation.

Most importantly, Peters’ wife, Erin, seems to be OK after a health scare Monday when she was unable to get out of bed in the couple’s Philadelphia hotel room. That knowledge, that relief, allowed Peters to be philosophical and grateful on Tuesday night.

“It’s been a whirlwind obviously,” said the White Sox center fielder. “But it’s been mostly a blessing. Just trying to soak it all in.”

Somehow it’s only been four days since Peters recorded one of the most remarkable cycles in baseball history, capping it with a triple and a home run in the same inning. A day after that, the rookie, former Savannah Banana, former seventh-round Draft pick and veteran of four organizations and five years in the Minor Leagues was named to his first All-Star team.

That was Saturday. On Sunday he wrapped up the first half with the White Sox and made his way to Philadelphia. Monday he participated in the usual All-Star Workout Day festivities, but Erin called him during the Home Run Derby when a back issue prevented her from getting up. She spent Monday night in the hospital, Tristan by her side and baby Elaine with the couple.

The condition was already easing by Monday morning, and thankfully Erin and Elaine were able to attend the game. That meant Tristan was fully able to take in the moment, as he went 0-for-1 and played right field for the AL All-Stars.

“There was a lot going on obviously, but she was able to make it, with the baby,” he said. “She was here. She’s able to walk. She’s hanging in there.”

The game was the culmination of an almost unimaginable week for Peters, but it was also recognition of his journey. He was drafted by the Brewers in 2021 and traded to the Giants in 2022. He was traded again, three and a half months later in ’22 to the Rays, and then purchased by the White Sox this past winter.

At 26 years old, though, he finally got a chance and ran with it. Peters has put up a .301/.354/.478 slash line while playing an exemplary center field for the emerging White Sox, earning the respect of teammates who have seen all he does to put up those numbers.

“I know you guys just see him right now being an All-Star, but we all have seen him since Day One in Spring Training,” said White Sox and AL teammate Miguel Vargas, who homered on Tuesday. “He owns that spot on the team. He owns center field every day for our team. Now he’s an All-Star. We’re all very proud of the work he puts in every day and the way he plays.”

And someday, someone else is going to be proud of him, as well. Peters knows that tiny Elaine doesn’t have much idea of what’s gone on this week, but one day…

“Oh yeah,” he said. “There will be a lot to tell her. Obviously she won’t remember, but I’m excited to tell her when she’s older.”