Potential trade targets of the Chicago White Sox this offseason
By Brian Draus
Aug 1, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) hits an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The White Sox are looking to get back into contention for the AL Central title and the AL Postseason in general, and quickly. They’ve mentioned adding to the bullpen, most noticeably, as a major priority and maybe even the top priority for this team.
When it comes to the position players, don’t be surprised to see trades. That is because pitchers are more difficult to acquire due to the scarcity of pitching.
If the White Sox are looking to add pitching, expect them to go the free agent route. They may trade for an arm, but when they go after a middle of the rotation arm, expect it to be a free agent.
Any middle of the rotation arm is too pricey when it comes to trading away your own prospects or MLB talent. Expect the White Sox to be aggressive this offseason, and if they make the same strides as last offseason, they could be in the hunt come 2015.
It would be tough to mention all the names of bullpen trade possibilities; however, here are some names to think about not pertaining to the bullpen, but at other positions where the White Sox have a need.
1. Pedro Alvarez, 3B (PIT): He has been mentioned as a target for the White Sox, especially since he is a power bat from the left side. While he may not be good enough defensively to stick at third base, he could always move to first base or become the designated hitter for the White Sox.
Alvarez batted .231 this past season with the Pirates, hitting one home run and having 56 RBIs in 122 games played. His career batting average since the ’10 season is .235 with 14 home runs. The previous two seasons (’12 and ’13), Alvarez had home run seasons of 30 and 36.
2. Yasmani Grandal C (SD): Grandal has the ability to be a front line catcher in the major leagues, something that the White Sox do not have.
Sep 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal (8) on deck during the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
While he has not shown the consistency at the big league level production-wise, he could always figure things out as he enters his prime.
Grandal has played parts of three seasons with the San Diego Padres (216 games) with a .245 career batting average and .350 on-base percentage.
He was the 12th overall pick in ’10 by the Reds but was traded there in the Mat Latos deal.
In ’14, Grandal batted .225 with 49 RBIs and 15 home runs in 128 games.
Oct 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Matt Kemp (27) stretches during workouts on the day before game one of the 2014 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodgers Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
3. Matt Kemp OF (LAD): Kemp is a really tough decision, due to the fact that he is owed so much money over the coming years.
However, if he ever gets back to his old self you are looking at an MVP caliber candidate.
This one is unlikely, but should be mentioned regardless. Kemp is signed through 2019 as he signed an eight-year, $160 million contract.
In ’14, Kemp batted .287 with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs.