With the trading deadline at 4PM EST on Monday, the White Sox still have time to make a franchise changing trade for the future. However, the team doesn’t necessarily have to make a trade before the deadline.
The White Sox made thier first move before the trading deadline on Sunday when they traded veteran reliever Zach Duke to the Cardinals. With the trade, the White Sox received the Cardinals 12th ranked prospect in Charlie Tilson. Tilson immediately became the White Sox top rated outfield prospect after the trade.
As the trading deadline gets closer, the White Sox have the opportunity to continue improving their farm system with more trades of veteran players on Monday. The White Sox are in a precerious situation. On one hand the team can have a fire sale and trade off their veteran players. On the other hand, the White Sox can stand pat at the trading deadline, and perhaps make trades during the off-season. Either way, the White Sox would be silly to think they’re closer to contention in 2017 then they truly are.
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If the White Sox don’t trade any of their veteran players such as Chris Sale, David Robertson, or Melky Cabrera before the deadline, it won’t be the end of the world. However, the White Sox could ensure themselves of a nice return of prospects if they were to trade any of the three players. Not many White Sox fans trust the front office to do the right thing, and despite general manager Rick Hahn stating the team was open to selling, they might not make a significant move before the deadline.
The White Sox have deluded themselves into thinking they’re close to contending for the past two seasons, and its been frustrating for fans who clearly see the team aren’t contenders. If the White Sox get a nice return for Sale or even Jose Quintana, they should take it as the team still needs to add more prospects for the future.
Holding onto veteran players for another year is only going to decrease their value moving forward. With another season where the team is going to miss the postseason, it would be wise for the White Sox to get as many good young prospects as they can get before the deadline. There’s no guarantee any of their veteran players will still command the same return as they’re currently commanding.
Update 9:28 AM: Red Sox had late night talks with White Sox regarding Chris Sale. If the White Sox are serious about trading Sale, today would be the perfect time to do it in my opinion.
The Boston #RedSox had late-night talks with the #WhiteSox about Chris Sale. If Sale is moved, #RedSox and #Dodgers are likely destinations.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2016
Update 9:57 AM: White Sox reportedly want 4 players from Red Sox in exchange for Sale.
heard chisox and red sox recently talked on sale. scuttlebutt is CWS seek at least 4 guys from BOS, including 3 of best.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2016
Update 10:03 AM: White Sox might have to deal with not getting Yoan Moncada if they trade Sale to Red Sox.
Yoan Moncada viewed as unlikely piece in Chris Sale talks. Potential @RedSox package leads w/Andrew Benintendi, Eduardo Rodriguez.
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) August 1, 2016
Update 10:07 AM: White Sox also have interest from Dodgers for Sale or Quintana.
Names of interest in @whitesox Sale/Quintana talks w/@Dodgers: LHP Julio Urias, 1B-OF Clay Bellinger, OF Alex Verdugo, 2B Willie Calhoun.
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) August 1, 2016
Update 11:07 AM: Some feel the White Sox aren’t under any pressure to make deal before deadline.
There is no pressure on the White Sox to make a trade now . Dodgers and Red Sox will have to give up their best in multiples to get Sale .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) August 1, 2016
Update 11:14 AM: Is the Sale trade off the table?
It appears there will be no deal for Sale between Sox and Sox. Things though, could change.
— George Ofman (@georgeofman) August 1, 2016
Update 11:15 AM: Maybe not?
Bob Nightengale on MLB Network: "Red Sox want [Sale] very, very badly. I think this has a chance. It's flip of coin whether he gets moved."
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) August 1, 2016
Update 11:34 AM: White Sox reportedly asking for Yasiel Puig from Dodgers in exchange for James Shields.
The White Sox want Yasiel Puig if they make a deal with the Dodgers.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 1, 2016
Update 12:26 PM: Rumors of White Sox targeting Puig turned out to be false.
The #Whitesox insist they are not having any trade talks with #Dodgers involving Yasiel Puig
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2016
Update 1:20 PM: Looks like nothing will be happening for the White Sox regarding Sale or Quintana.
The Chicago #Whitesox say that unless something dramatically changes, will keep Chris Sale and Jose Quintana.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 1, 2016