White Sox: Four game-changing Hot Stove trade ideas

One of the biggest needs that that Sox have is at the designated hitter position. In 2018, the White Sox DH was a rotating door and none of the players who walked through it was overly impressive.

Matt Davidson filled the position more often than not and his slash was an uninspiring .228/.319/.419.

In his place, I’d like to suggest a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. It’s safe to say that the team will probably never officially rebuild, simply because its entire system is structured so well. But, there is an issue that could force the Cards to make interesting trades. That issue is finishing third to the Cubs and Brewers. Cardinals fans will not accept this for long.

So, the trade I’d like to propose involves an even swap of Jose Abreu for Matt Carpenter. The Sox need a DH and the Cardinals need a first baseman who can actually play the position. Carpenter belongs in the AL, simply because his defense isn’t that good.

Carpenter gave the Cards a slash of .257/.374/.523 with 36 home runs and 81 RBI. While his batting average wasn’t as good as Abreu’s, his on-base and slugging percentages were. Abreu hit .265/.325/.473. Abreu hit 22 home runs and had 76 RBI in 2018.

Carpenter’s experience in the post-season would be valuable to the Sox, who will soon be spending time there. He is a significantly better hitter than Davidson, who would then be able to spend in the bullpen on a regular basis.

This trade opens up a spot a first base. Davidson wouldn’t have to play there, because I’ve got other plans for this all-important position.