White Sox add bullpen depth by acquiring two veteran relievers in three-team trade with Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals.
The Chicago White Sox were able to add bullpen depth by acquiring veteran relief pitchers Joakim Soria and Luis Avilan in a three-team trade on Thursday. The Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals were involved in the trade that sent two relief pitchers to the South Side.
With the Sox needing more depth in its bullpen, they were able to complete a three-team trade that included a division rival in the Royals. The Sox acquired Soria, Avilan and cash considerations from the Dodgers in exchange for infield prospect Jake Peter. The Dodgers acquired left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander from the Royals in exchange for Erick Mejia and Trevor Oaks.
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The Sox are reportedly receiving $2 million from the Dodgers and $1 million from the Royals in this trade according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Peter was drafted by the Sox in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Since 2014, Peter has a .282/.347/.394 slash line in the minors.
With the Sox in need of bullpen depth, adding Soria and Avilan for next season is a smart move. The Sox could very well flip each player near the trading deadline, however. Soria has $9 million remaining on his current contract that includes a team option for 2019. Avilan is expected to earn $2.3 million in arbitration this year and won’t be a free agent until 2020.
Soria had a solid season in 2017 for the Royals. The 33-year-old compiled a 4-3 record with a 3.70 ERA in 59 appearances for Kansas City last season. He had an impressive 2.23 FIP to go along with a 1.232 WHIP. Soria was an All-Star in 2008 and 2010 when he was the Royals closer. He saved 42 games in 2008 and recorded 43 saves in 2010.
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Avilan has pitched the last two seasons with the Dodgers and was traded to Los Angeles from Atlanta in 2015. Last season, Avilan compiled 2.93 ERA with a 2-3 record in 61 appearances with the Dodgers. The left-hander recorded 52 strikeouts in 46 innings pitched while allowing just 22 walks. Avilan’s FIP was 2.96 and he had 1.391 WHIP for Los Angeles.