Chicago White Sox: Potential Waiver Wire Options

Jul 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) reacts after scoring a run in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Turner Field. The Braves won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

After the Chicago White Sox sat pat at the July 31st non-waiver deadline, many were disappointed for either not moving pieces like Jeff Samardzija, thinking the prior seven-game winning streak was a fluke and gave false hope to the organization about their playoff chances, or they were upset about not adding a piece to help keep that momentum going and propel the team towards a wild card spot.

It is not that Rick Hahn and Co. did not try to make something happen at that trade deadline, as it was reported they were making strong pushes for Yoenis Cespedes (who went to the New York Mets, and they have not lost since) and Justin Upton (who stayed put with the San Diego Padres, who found themselves in the exact same scenario as the White Sox did). Ultimately, Hahn said the costs would mortgage the future too much to justify going all in for a 50/50 shot at a playoff berth with such a young core.

The White Sox could still make a move should a player fall to them in waivers (the process of which is explained here if you need a refresher), as many thought Danny Valencia would. He ended up getting claimed off the waiver wire by the Oakland Athletics after getting waived by the Toronto Blue Jays, where he was a victim of the blockbuster deals that went on north of the border.

There are a couple players who could interest the Southsiders as they continue their improbable push for the postseason for the first time since 2008, among them Brandon Phillips, Upton and former White Sox fan favorite A.J. Pierzynski.

Next: Would a 2B in Cincy help the team?

Jul 28, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) fields a ground ball against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Phillips is owed a lot of money over the rest of his contract, and the Cincinnati Reds would love to free up payroll flexibility with stalwart closer Aroldis Chapman headed toward free agency following the 2016 season as he has his final year of arbitration following this season.

Phillips is signed through the 2018 season, when he will be 37 years old. I previously outlined Phillips and how he would fit with the organization about two months ago when I suggested the White Sox make a play for the second baseman when Carlos Sanchez was struggling. Many of those reasons still apply, and the White Sox can shift Carlos Sanchez to third and allow Saladino to replace Gordon Beckham on the bench.

Next: A Padres bat could bring more production

Jul 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) watches the flight of his eighth inning home run against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Upton has already been connected to the team, and it would not be unusual for the White Sox to make a splashy move such as outfielder Alex Rios or outfielder Manny Ramirez – and Upton would be no different.

Avisail Garcia has struggled at the plate of late and still has one minor league option left. Perhaps a trip to Charlotte will allow him to revisit his approach at the plate and give the big club a temporary boost that comes with acquiring a proven outfielder to round out the rest of the season. Seeing that he will be a free agent at the end of the year, there is little risk in putting a waiver claim on the former number-one overall pick.

Next: What about welcoming home a familiar face?