On September 25, Stein was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the California Angels in exchange for Jerry DaVanon. California then traded Stein to the Chicago White Sox on April 3, 1974, before he made an appearance in the Angels organization. In return, the White Sox sent Steve Blateric to California. Stein started the 1974 season in the White Sox minor league system with the Triple-A Iowa Oaks. In 135 games with Iowa, he batted .326 with 107 runs scored, 178 hits, 32 doubles, eight triples, 16 home runs, and 76 RBIs. Stein led the American Association in hits; was second in runs scored, plate appearances (594), at-bats (554), and doubles; and was tied for second in triples. He was called up by Chicago in September. Stein made his season debut on September 13, against the California Angels, getting no hits in four at-bats. His first hit of the season came the day after, against California. In the majors that year, Stein batted .276 with five runs scored, 12 hits, one double, and five RBIs in 13 games played.