Chicago White Sox: A look at the Center Field Market

The White Sox already set up a good relationship with the Padres front office this season when they traded for James Shields. The trade hasn’t really been fruitful for either team, but the Padres were happy to unload some of Shields’ contract while taking on a project player in Erik Johnson. With that relationship already set up, there is a possibility that the White Sox would be interested in Padres center fielder Jon Jay.

Jon Jay had spent his entire career in the St. Louis Cardinals system before being traded to the Padres in the winter. His 2016 numbers are pretty good as far as his slash line goes with .296/.345/.407, but his 21.4% strikeout rate is a bit high while his 5.5% walk rate is somewhat low. He has been good in CF, enough so that he would stay there and allow Adam Eaton to play right field.

The biggest problem regarding Jon Jay to the White Sox is his injury. The White Sox want a replacement for Jackson, who has an uncertain timetable for his return. Jon Jay has a fractured bone in his right hand, which has put him out for the month of July. If the White Sox made a move for Jon Jay, it would almost be a moot point. Trading for an injured center fielder to replace an injured player doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but Jay was worth bringing up because he’s the exact type of player the White Sox are both looking for and can afford.

Jon Jay likely won’t be headed to the south side of Chicago because of his injury, but he provides a mold for who the White Sox are looking into. They would like to work with a team they are comfortable with. They would also like to acquire the player without having to give up their best prospects.

Next: Another Team with Good Relations