Chicago White Sox: Potential Trade Bait

Adam LaRoche

Jun 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche (25) watches his solo home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

LaRoche signed with the Sox in the offseason and many of us had hoped he would not turn into another Adam Dunn type player. While he hasn’t been that bad he still hasn’t come anywhere near to fulfilling expectations.

With a middling .230 batting average and 8 home runs to go along with 24 runs batted in LaRoche has disappointed. He’s never been a high batting average guy but the lack of power and rbi’s is concerning.

LaRoche is only signed to a 2 year deal so if a team were to trade for him they’d have his services for all of next year as well.  This could enhance his value as a team doesnt have to be concerned about the position next year.

He’s spent the majority of his career in the National League but he could still provide value as a DH to many American League teams as well. With that in mind the St. Louis Cardinals have a need for a 1st baseman with Matt Adams being done for the year. They currently have Mark Reynolds but could conceivably go with a platoon of Reynolds and LaRoche or strictly LaRoche.

Other teams that could have an interest in pursuing LaRoche would be the Rays, Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Mariners, Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, or San Francisco Giants.

LaRoche is a tougher gauge of what he could bring in. He may get you two mid level prospects or a higher prospect who is in the low minors. Trading him would be a salary dump but also something that could add depth to the minors.

As the primary DH LaRoche’s loss would be minimal. The team would need a backup first baseman to give Jose Abreu some time off but they could call up one of their more seasoned minor leaguers to get a taste of the big leagues.