White Sox: The case for keeping Avisail Garcia at the trade deadline

The White Sox need to make a decision on Avisail Garcia at the trade deadline.

Most White Sox fans looking at the trade deadline are curious about what a Garcia trade would net in return.

But, here are some arguments as to why the Sox should keep him around for more of the rebuild.

1. His trade value is not where it was last year at this point

Due to his injury, he hasn’t played much this first half of the season. So, he hasn’t been able to prove that last year wasn’t just a fluke. The Sox didn’t get offers that would justify trading the All-Star right fielder during the offseason. That is mostly due to other team’s reluctance that last year wasn’t a fluke. So, Avi needed a strong start to this season to prove the doubters wrong. His injury has not allowed that so no offers were coming.

2. He has been the 2017 version since his return from the DL

Since he came off the DL, he is hitting a torrid .348, including four homers in his last seven games. He’s also on a career-best 12-game hit streak. Garcia hasn’t slowly gotten into the groove since he’s been back, he has started right where he left off last year. He looks every bit the All-Star he was last season.

3. He becomes a free agent after next season

Garcia’s contract is up after this season. He is arbitration eligible after his current contract has expired. This means any team that trades for him right now would be subject to the arbitration ruling. Then they only have him for one season before he can opt for free agency. Teams tend to give less in return for a rental player. And the longer the Sox go without trading him the less time the other team would have his services.

4. He is a known commodity

While the Sox are expecting great things from prospects like Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez, they pretty much know how Garcia performs in the major leagues. Injuries, poor development, bad attitudes can all make prospects forgotten names in a hurry. Over the last year and a half, Garcia has shown to be a consistent .300 hitter with some pop. That’s something they hope to get from their young prospects. Why trade something you know you have for an unknown?

5. He’s still only 27

It may seem like he’s been around forever, but Avi is still young. He is just 27 this season. That puts him at only 30 years old in 2021, when the White Sox should be in full contender mode. Who wouldn’t want a veteran 30-year-old guy hitting .300 and knocking in 80+ runs a year supporting the young guns that should be in full bloom?

6. He sets a good example for the youngsters to follow

Watch Avi Garcia exclusively next time you watch a game. You will see 100% effort out of him. Whether it’s running out a ground ball or leaping into the wall to try and make a catch, he’s a good role model for the young guys to emulate. Exactly the kind of guy Ricky Renteria is trying to mold his young players into being.

Next: Adjusted Goals for White Sox Prospects

So, should the Sox trade Garcia to a contender at the trade deadline? I don’t see that happening right now. Now, if Jimenez, Robert, Blake Rutherford, Joel Booker call or any other Sox outfield prospect forces a move, then so be it. However, at this time, do you trust some other teams #17-ranked prospect or the guy currently hitting .300 and was an All-Star last year? I know my answer.