Winter Meetings Preview: What should the Chicago White Sox do?

Feb 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn speaks to the media during MLB media day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As I am sure all of you have been following, there have been a significant amount of rumors surrounding the Chicago White Sox.

Jeff Samardzija has been discussed at length in trade talks, Melky Cabrera may get signed … etc.

In my opinion, the Sox may very well get someone off the radar. Not off the radar completely, but someone not talked about at length.

Aug 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (left) and general manager Kenny Williams (right) talk prior to a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Who would be a good fit for the Sox?

The name I keep going back to is free agent starter Justin Masterson. While he had a down year in 2014, a bounce back year is possible. Also, by following the rumors, it is possible that the Sox make a deal for the right-handed starter.

A lot of any trade has to do with what the Sox will have to give up. GM Rick Hahn has reiterated many times that he doesn’t want to wreck the team’s long-term plan, so therefore a deal that involves one of their top prospects probably wouldn’t happen. Especially if the deal was for a one-year rental.

What the Sox shouldn’t do is sign a starter to a long contract. Look at what happened with the whole John Danks contract. Three years is fine; however, a four-year or longer contract isn’t good, especially if it is for big dollars.

Once a pitcher gets injured or declines and is signed to a big deal, a team is stuck with him. Therefore, a player I discussed above (Masterson) could fit on a short-term deal.

What is going to be interesting is to see what happens with starting All-Star shortstop Alexei Ramirez.

The Sox hold all of the cards with Ramirez, due to the fact that he is under contract for two more years at a reasonable price.

Will they trade him for a corner outfielder or starter?

In my opinion, that will only happen if they get a player that will be on the South Side long term.

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With that said, now may be the time to get the best possible return for Ramirez regardless of how long the return stays.

I believe the Sox will be very active both at the winter meetings and through the holidays.

Don’t expect them to spend wildly, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they made some good value signings as well as a trade or two.

According to White Sox vice president Ken Williams, the organization is done rebuilding. Now is the time to get the personnel to get back into contention, and quickly.