Chicago White Sox: Three players who could still be traded
The Chicago White Sox are amidst one of their busiest offseasons ever and there still might be a few more moves to be made.
The Chicago White Sox have had an awesome offseason. They were a team that improved by ten games from 2018 to 2019 without adding virtually anything. It all came from the development of their own young core. Now, headed into 2020 they expect to see more of that development with a new wrinkle. Along with some more development will be some significant free agent adds. The White Sox have spent a lot of money this offseason to make sure that 2020 is another big improvement.
That big improvement could lead to a postseason appearance for the first time since 2008 if they’re good enough. On top of being vastly improved, they play in one of the weakest divisions in all of Major League Baseball. They have multiple players that are under cheap long term control that they hope will help lead them to the promised land. It isn’t above anyone to think that this team has its eyes set on winning the World Series sometime during this window of the core’s prime.
There are a lot of good players on this team that is going to supplement the core between now and the end of it all. Guys like Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, and Lucas Giolito are here to stay. There are also going to be some good players that are eventually shipped out because there simply isn’t enough room for them on the MLB roster but they are too good for the minors. It is also going to be important for the Sox to keep their minor league system good while the big club contends in case of injury or retooling. These three players could still be dealt for that reason:
James McCann. 1. player. 128. . C. Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox got everything they expected and more from James McCann in 2019. Especially in the first half of the season. He was so good in the first half that he was given the honor of representing the White Sox for the American League All-Stars. He was outstanding and deserves a lot of credit for the way he played. He also helped the team by giving some of the young arms like Lucas Giolito a catcher that they trust to help them develop.
With all of that said, it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise if the White Sox ended up trading him while his value is high. For one, his second half wasn’t nearly as dominant as his first half. There were a couple of clutch moments for the Sox in the second half by McCann but nothing like the performance he put together before the All-Star Break. There are other teams who will look at his total numbers from 2019 and see him as a player they need.
The White Sox also signed Yasmani Grandal to be their everyday catcher in 2020 and beyond. He was given a lucrative four-year deal so he is no doubt going to get most of the reps. James McCann would still serve as a good backup and potentially a designated hitter as well. They also signed Edwin Encarnacion who should get most of the DH at-bats, however. There seems to be limited space for James so if the right price was offered for him it might be a smart move to let him go for the White Sox.
player. 128. . SP. Chicago White Sox. Carlos Rodon. 2
The Chicago White Sox have had Carlos Rodon waiting in the wings for a long time. He was there to be the third starter behind Chris Sale and Jose Quintana once upon a time. Since then, he has dealt with a lot of injuries while the White Sox have stockpiled lots of young arms to come in and make an impact someday. Rodon might be the odd man out once all is said and done.
Now, if Rodon is able to find his form and round into the front of the rotation starter then the White Sox should keep him. If not, they already developed Lucas Giolito and signed Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez to contracts of different lengths. They also have Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease who each ate innings in 2019 as they look to become reliable starters. There is also Michael Kopech coming back from Tommy John surgery sometime early in 2020. That is a lot of starting pitching so if someone is willing to take a flyer on Rodon, the White Sox should do it.
He has dealt with a lot of injuries throughout his career so far. The most recent was having Tommy John surgery just like Kopech. He is going to take longer than Kopech’s to recover from because it happened much more recently. He has also dealt with some other injuries throughout so a change of scenery could go a long way with him. It would be nice to see him stay and reach his potential but if the right package is offered for him the White Sox should at least think about it.
Chicago White Sox. Leury Garcia. 3. player. 128. . OF/2B/SS
On MLB dot com right now, the Chicago White Sox have Leury Garcia listed as the number one backup at five positions out of nine on the diamond. All three outfield positions, shortstop, and second base are all backup positions owned by Leury Garcia. Obviously, there is only one of him but he is capable of playing all those positions. Despite being capable of playing all of them, there might not be any room for him to be at any of them.
For that reason, it might be time to trade him. The White Sox saw him have a fantastic season with a role that he might never get to have again with this team. Another team that can provide a similar role for him as the White Sox did might be willing to pay a high price for him. It would be a chance for him to continue to showcase his talents in an everyday role while giving the White Sox a decent return for him.
In 140 games for the White Sox in 2019, he had a .279 batting average, 93 runs scored, and a 1.6 WAR. He didn’t move the needle for them by any means but he was a good player. There is a good chance that he doesn’t nearly get as much playing time for them in 2020 which would certainly lower his trade value. They could also keep him knowing what he would bring as a bench player too but they should look into all of their options.
Related Story. This is going to be a fun season for the Chicago White Sox. light
There is a chance that one or more of these guys gets dealt but there is also a chance that they keep all three of them. Baseball is a game of depth so keeping them around would be smart but they would also be smart to use some of these guys to upgrade areas of need throughout the organization. Either way, 2020 is going to be a solid year for this organization.