Chicago White Sox: Should Alex Colome be Traded?
The Chicago White Sox are probably sellers this year more than they are buyers. Should they sell on their closer who has been great so far this year?
Alex Colome is in the midst of an outstanding season for the Chicago White Sox. After being acquired by the White Sox in exchange for catcher Omar Narvaez this offseason, Colome has cemented himself as arguably the best closer to come out of the pen for the Sox in the last five years or so. Through 37.2 innings in 2019, Colome has recorded 20 saves while keeping his earned run average at a minuscule 2.39. He has also recorded just 11 walks versus 29 strikeouts on the year.
Given that Colome would be a huge asset for a potential White Sox playoff team, the debate of whether or not to ship him off at the deadline is a legitimate one. The Sox front office could ship him off for some less seasoned bullpen arms or pitchers in general that show good potential. They could also go the other route and possibly acquire an outfielder, MLB ready or not. Despite the thick depth of outfielders in the minor league system, there are still gaping holes in the outfield spots of the major league lineup.
Think about it, what if they could acquire a player comparable to Chris Paddack for a rental reliever? Some teams that could potentially be interested in Colome are the Tampa Bay Rays (whom he began his career with), Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals.
KEEP HIM!
The case to keep Colome for at least another year is a strong one. He is still only 30 years old, will remain under club control until 2021, and has proven that his durability is elite by pitching in at least 40 games in the last four seasons each, including 70 games in 2018. He could man the closer role for the Sox for years to come if he stays with them. He has already embedded himself into the culture of the team, and he has proved that he fits in well with the club. Trading Colome could end up being a tough move for Rick Hahn and company.
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Regardless of what uniform Colome is wearing a month from now, the Sox will be winners. If we opt to trade him for a reasonable return so be it. However, if he’s still pitching the ninth inning for the White Sox come August and September, chances are they’re set in the closer role heading into the offseason. Only time will tell.