2011 MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox, Blue Jays Talking Trade

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox have held trade discussions for several players this offseason.  The Blue Jays have reportedly targeted outfielder Carlos Quentin, starting pitcher John Danks and infielder Gordon Beckham of the White Sox.  The Blue Jays and White Sox matched up last week in a trade that sent closer Sergio Santos to Toronto in exchange for pitching prospect Nestor Molina.

Now that White Sox general manager Ken Williams has come out and told teams that his club is rebuilding, many figure to show interest in the veteran pieces he has on his roster.  Along with Danks, Beckham and Quentin, the White Sox have also dangled starting pitcher Gavin Floyd and reliever Matt Thornton this offseason.

Heyman says that the Blue Jays showed interest in the trio of Danks, Beckham and Quentin, but that the White Sox may have slowed talks in order to find other suitors for their players.  Along with the Blue Jays, the Padres, Red Sox and Orioles have all reportedly shown interest in Quentin.

Now that C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle have signed, Danks has become one of the best starting pitchers available.  After the Yu Darvish bidding closes Wednesday, the trade market for starters figures to heat up.  The Rangers have been linked to Danks in the past as well as the Red Sox and Yankees.

It was reported after the Santos trade that the White Sox had entered “the start of rebuilding”.  If Chicago can get the return they desire, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com predicts that players such as Danks, Floyd, Quentin and Beckham will all “be gone by opening day”.

For more on the White Sox, be sure to check out Southside Showdown.