Chicago White Sox Black Friday Shopping List

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Sep 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) drives in a run with a base hit in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Third Base: The hot corner has been a hot mess on the Southside since Joe Crede left for Minnesota following the 2008 season. The front office recently has looked at former top prospects Matt Davidson and Mike Olt at the position, hoping one of them could put it all together at the big league level, but neither has appeared up to the challenge thus far. Davidson has struggled mightily with the AAA Charlotte Knights, not even earning a September call-up in what was a lost season for the White Sox in 2015 whereas Olt flashed some of the power that made him the Texas Rangers’ number two overall prospect heading into the 2012 season, but has struggled with consistency both at the dish and in the field. He was the number two prospect at third base, trailing only Detroit’s Nick Castellanos. (Davidson was the number six rated third base prospect prior to that season as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.)

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While signing David Freese is an option I explored before, another choice could be trading for the Cincinnati Reds’ Todd Frazier . The Reds are said to be shopping the reigning Home Run Derby champion in an effort to rebuild, looking for major league ready prospects. Frankie Montas certainly fits the mold they are looking for in the Queen City. Montas, 22, came to the White Sox by way of the Boston Red Sox organization in the same trade that netted the Good Guys Avisail Garcia, made his major league debut late in the 2015 season, posting an 0-2 record and a 4.80 ERA, but struck out 20 hitters in only fifteen innings. With a fastball that can reach triple digits, the Reds could use him as a starter or to replace Aroldis Chapman, their fireballing closer who may be on the move this winter as well. Frazier would be an instant solution at third and is entering his age 30 season, meaning he could have four or five solid years left in him, but with only two years left on his current contract, the risk factor is a lot lower than committing to a five-year deal. An all-star the last two seasons, “The Toddfather” could finally make third base a strong point for the White Sox once again. TRADE: Frazier to the White Sox; Montas and Davidson to the Reds

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