Chicago White Sox Getting Ready To Sell at Deadline
The Chicago White Sox have had quite the roller coaster of a season so far. They currently sit at 46-48, which puts them in fourth place in the AL Central.
After starting off the season hot, with a 24-12 record in the middle of May, but since the White Sox are 22-36, which is one of the worst records in baseball during that span. The fall dropped the Sox from 1st place to 4th. The team has gone from a contender in the American League to a seller at the deadline.
According to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago, the team has ruled out short-term adds and will be open-minded on everything else. Bob Nightengale of USA Today, went as far to say that anyone on the roster could be made available outside of the rotation and young shortstop Tim Anderson.
Hahn: #WhiteSox have ruled out short-termed adds. Will be open-minded on everything else.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 21, 2016
The #Whitesox expected to keep rotation intact, but everyone else, except SS Tim Anderson, are in play at trade deadline
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 21, 2016
The White Sox have a ton of talent that will draw interest before the August 1st trade deadline. One of the players receiving a lot of interest on the market is reliever David Robertson. Robertson has had a decent year as the team’s closer with a 4.03 ERA. He has 23 saves to go along with 45 strikeouts in 38 innings. Robertson is a coveted value at the deadline because of his contract. He is under team control through the 2018 season, so he is more than just a rental. A team like the San Fransisco Giants have the resources and the needs to acquire Robertson’s services.
Another player that the White Sox might be willing to deal is outfielder Adam Eaton. Eaton, 27, is under contract through the 2021 season and is a bargain as his contract tops out at $10.5 million with a team option. The outfielder is considered one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. On offense, Eaton has been above average this year, hitting .271/.353/.393 with 43 runs and 11 stolen bases.
The White Sox will most likely want a huge package for Eaton because of his age and team friendly contract. The Washington Nationals have the resources and needs to deal for Eaton, it is just a matter of them putting together the right offer.
The White Sox will be looking to deal a lot of talent but will not be discussing either Chris Sale or Jose Quintana. According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Los Angeles Dodgers have offered a “overwhelming” offer for Chris Sale but the White Sox said no. The past has indicated that the Sox are also not interested in dealing Quintana either. Both of these pitchers are having amazing seasons and it looks like they will be pitching for the White Sox for the foreseeable future.
Sources continue expressing doubt #WhiteSox will move Sale or Quintana. That said, #Dodgers have pieces to make overwhelming offer. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2016
Next: Should the White Sox Have Seen Red Flags with Frazier?
The White Sox will be sellers at the deadline as they now sit at 4th in the AL Central. This trade deadline is crucial for the White Sox future success. Without making a deal for some young talent, they could be stuck with their current roster and nowhere to go with it. Whether it is Eaton or Robertson, it is time for the Sox to turn their organization around.