Wednesday’s MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most active in recent memories. The Chicago White Sox, although better this season, still are in a position of selling rather than buying. The White Sox must consider any potential trade and the value to that trade, especially now with their flexibility.
During the All-Star break, the team was in a position where they could compete for the second wild-card spot and be buyers at the trade deadline. They have gone 4-14 since the start of the second half of the season diminishing any hope of a playoff run. The team now can trade-off their pitchers and position players as their last chance to add quality prospects.
Closer Alex Colome is expected to be moved by the 3 PM deadline, but Ivan Nova, Jon Jay, Leury Garcia, and team leader Jose Abreu could be moved also.
Colome has been one of the best closers in baseball with 21 saves and provides added value with another year of control. Either he or Abreu has the potential to bring the team the most back in return. Where they could bring quality players in return, Jay, Nova, and Garcia would bring back minor league depth in return. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale on Monday night with Joe Ostrowski on 670 the Score said the team could get a Top 100 Prospect in return for Abreu:
The White Sox are hesitant on trading Abreu due to his slugging ability and his influence in the clubhouse with the young players. General manager Rick Hahn has been adamant about extending his All-Star first baseman to a short-term extension until slugging prospect Andrew Vaughn is ready.
It is the depth and flexibility that the team has in their minor league system that makes Abreu expendable right now. Hitting prospects Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal are less than one year away from being called up and will replace Garcia and second baseman Yolmer Sanchez in the starting lineup. Their addition to the lineup could fill the gap to an extent if the team trades Abreu and is unable to re-sign him in the off-season.
The White Sox acquisition of young prospects will make the team competitive shortly. Lucas Giolito, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, and Tim Anderson have demonstrated that in 2019. With another year of a possible top 10 draft pick, Hahn must get the best value back at Wednesday’s trade deadline. That means if a team is willing to offer a top 100 prospect for Abreu or Colome, the team should be more than open to a potential trade.
A small fir esale that could bring back more than five minor leaguers, and one or two Top 100 prospects, it would make the White Sox that much better for the future. There is a good chance that with getting the most out of Wednesday’s trade deadline as sellers, the White Sox could be buyers next season.
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