Southside Showdown
Fansided

White Sox: On-track rebuild is a beautiful sign of things to come

By Darrell Hersman

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 19: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox is congratulated by Matt Davidson #24 after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 19, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 19: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox is congratulated by Matt Davidson #24 after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 19, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 09: Trayce Thompson #32 of the Chicago White Sox looks on after striking out at the top of the ninth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 09: Trayce Thompson #32 of the Chicago White Sox looks on after striking out at the top of the ninth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Let’s keep shoveling through the muck and see what position players might keep the White Sox rebuild moving.

Well, the collection of position players on the roster is the thick of the muck. It’s, well, it’s not good. Adam Engel is underwhelming and disappointing. Trayce Thompson looks nothing like he did in his 2015 debut, which is terribly sad to me. Neither provides much value on the field or in trade. If they can get healthy, Nick Delmonico and Leury Garcia might be useful bench pieces for future Sox teams, or during the stretch run on a contender.

Neither is likely to bring much back in return, but kick the tires, all you playoff-bound teams. The White Sox might also have to make tough decisions regarding the futures of Yolmer Sanchez and Matt Davidson, too. It’s difficult, but it’s the type of decision we need if we want to take the next step. On a related note, what will Jason Benetti do if Matt Davidson gets traded?

Avisail Garcia is injured but might be back this weekend. As has been the case for a couple years, he is a prime trade candidate. If he returns to health and puts up numbers anywhere near last season’s output, he’ll provide a nice return. If you’re like me, you’ll be a little sad to see him go, but he will be opening up the door to an up-and-coming young stud like Eloy Jimenez.

Fellow right-fielder Daniel Palka is a nice surprise, but there may not be a spot for him on the next contending roster. Plus, as I just mentioned, part of the beauty of a rebuild is seeing the prospects debut in the majors. Even the most patient fans are ready for the White Sox rebuild to appear headed for the future, instead of stuck in the mud.

The toughest decision of all

The best trade candidate is Jose Abreu. An Abreu trade, on its own, would be almost enough to keep the wheels of the White Sox rebuild turning now and in the future. He’s a stud. He should make the All-Star team, he’s playing great baseball, and he’s a veteran presence many contenders would sell out for. However, I selfishly want him to stay. He’s a great mentor for the younger players and has been particularly great as Yoan Moncada‘s compatriot and mentor.

I think he’s the Grandpa Ross of the next contending Sox team, but he would likely bring a huge haul of prospects to load up the farm system in anticipation of trading for missing pieces. Offer your best, contenders, as the White Sox front office and fan base expect nothing but your very best for Abreu.

Home/White Sox News