Does the contract of John Danks hurt the Chicago White Sox?

Jul 31, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks (50) warms up before the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Chicago White Sox were unable to unload left-handed starting pitcher John Danks at the MLB non-waiver trade deadline on Thursday, this is what I’m asking today is: Does Danks’ contract hurt the White Sox?

Danks is owed $28.5 million for the next two seasons.

Danks won’t be a free agent until the 2017 season, so if the White Sox can’t trade him during the waiver trade period or this offseason, they will be stuck paying him $14.25 million for a third consecutive season in ’15.

First of all, Danks’ above-4.00 ERA isn’t cutting it when he is the highest-paid player on the White Sox, and there is no way Danks’ contract should be higher than that of the ace of the White Sox, Chris Sale, who is making $3.5 million this season and $6 million in ’15.

Sale will make over $12 million per year in 2017-19, but I can’t get over the fact Danks is the highest-paid player on the White Sox this season.

The ERA of Sale is 1.96 this season in 16 starts (110 innings). Sale is also 10-1 entering his start on Friday.

I also believe that is the No. 1 reason why Danks wasn’t able to be traded at the deadline, and the reason I believe the White Sox won’t be able to trade him before this season comes to a close.

They might have a chance this offseason, but it still will be tough with that price tag and his overall average numbers.

This season, Danks’ ERA is 4.50 in 136 innings (22 starts). Last season, in 22 starts, Danks finished with an ERA of 4.75 in 138.1 innings.

That must be what $14-plus million gets in the MLB these days?

In his past 10 starts, Danks is 5-1 with a 4.72 ERA. In his most recent start on July 31, he pitched 7.0 innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and four walks against the Detroit Tigers. He has allowed four or more walks the past three starts.

Danks needs to be better than that, especially against teams like the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins, where he allowed 11 earned runs combined.

I like Danks. He’s been a solid player for the White Sox, but with an ERA above 4.00 the past two seasons at his price tag, it is money not well spent by the White Sox. It is hurting the ball club in other areas of the pitching staff, but that is just my opinion.

What are your thoughts?