White Sox rumored to be discussing trade of its best player with Washington Nationals. Trade could fetch a solid return of prospects for the South Siders.
The Chicago White Sox could be on the verge of trading Chris Sale to the Washington Nationals according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Rosenthal reported on Monday evening that there was a ‘legitimate chance’ the Sox trade Sale to the Nationals.
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The return for the Sox would include at least the Nationals top two prospects in right handed pitcher Lucas Giolito and outfielder Victor Robles. Rosenthal also reported the Nationals and Sox are discussing final pieces of trade.
This news come doesn’t come as a surprise as the Nationals were linked to targeting Sale in a trade just before the Winter Meetings. Washington was also reported as targeting Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen in a trade along with Sale.
The aggressiveness shown by the Nationals has to be exciting for a fanbase that saw its team fail to win a playoff series this past postseason. Although the Nationals could land Sale in a trade, they aren’t giving up their most prized possession in outfielder Trea Turner. It was reported by Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post on Monday morning that the Nationals were not willing to involve Turner in any trade for Sale.
Sources: Legitimate chance of Sale trade to #Nationals. Robles, Giolito would go to #WhiteSox. Teams haggling over final pieces in deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2016
The Sox could have balked at the Nationals refusal to include Turner, but if they’re able to get Giolito and Robles along with some other young players, this could be a good return for the South Siders. Giolito is the Nationals top prospect and third overall according to mlbpipeline.com. This past season, Giolito was a combined 6-5 with a 2.97 ERA in 22 starts for three Nationals minor league teams. He recorded 114 strikeouts and just 44 walks. Giolito appeared in six games (four starts) for the Nationals and compiled a 0-1 record with a 6.75 ERA.
Robles is the Nationals second top prospect and 10th overall. The 19-year-old outfielder hit a combined .280 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs for three Nationals minor league affiliates this season. Robles has the potential to be a plus defender in the outfield in the future, and could be solid at the plate.
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Although many Sox fans might not like this rumored return for Sale, the team could get some major league ready players as well. This will depend on the effectiveness of the Sox front office to get the most out of trading its best player. If the Sox do trade Sale, look for more players to be traded in an inevitable rebuild on the South Side.