4. White Sox can Quickly Rebuild before 2019
If the White Sox are serious about heading into a rebuild, which they most likely are judging from some of Hahn’s comments from Thursday, they can do it without trading Chris Sale. The farm system is rather bare, but with recent early round draft picks having success they are still in an okay place in terms of producing Major League talent.
The White Sox have the option of trading Jose Quintana for Major League talent, or prospects on the cusp, and hoping that young pitchers like Carlos Rodon can find their groove. Considering the return on Quintana during his very impressive 2016 would be pretty high, this would greatly help the White Sox improve their depth on the positional side of the ball. Chicago would still have to make an addition to the rotation to attempt to replace Quintana, but it could be done.
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The most important thing to note is that the White Sox have the capability of rebuilding with Sale still a member of the organization. If they want to rebuild or retool, that’s great for the organization; however, it doesn’t require trading the best player to play on the team possibly since Frank Thomas. With players like Zack Collins, Carson Fulmer, Carlos Rodon, and Tim Anderson all recently drafted and almost all making an impact at the Major League level the White Sox could quickly rebuild.
By selling some key assets this year and next year, they could be ready to compete in 2018 and 2019. While that only provides a year or two with Sale on his current contract, it may be enough to sway him into signing another deal with the White Sox.
Next: What about the Fans?