Chicago White Sox: Three players who could be trade bait in 2020
The Chicago White Sox could have a few too many players at the MLB level right now that could cause them to make a trade or two during the season.
The Chicago White Sox are going to have a pretty good year. At least it looks that way on paper. They are likely going to have an average or above-average player at every position as long as everyone plays to the best of their ability shown in the past. There are going to be some injuries or slumps here and there but all in all the vibe is good right now on the south side.
The White Sox have some absolute studs in their organization right now. They have studs like Yoan Moncada, Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, and Eloy Jimenez who the organization has built everything around. There are some stud pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel in the fold. Then, there are some hopeful prospects like Luis Robert and Michael Kopech. With all of that together, this should be an entertaining ballclub.
With all of that great talent and only nine spots in the starting lineup plus a designated hitter, some guys might have less playing time than they have had in the past. Obviously the superstars are going to play most of the games but some of the other guys might see their role decreased. If they don’t play hardly at all, then the organization might look to move them for the right package.
If Rick Hahn doesn’t like any offers then he simply won’t trade anyone just to trade them. With that said, keeping the farm system strong while this team starts to get good is extremely important. These are the three players that are the likeliest to be traded in 2020:
128. . UTIL. Chicago White Sox. Leury Garcia. 1. player
The Chicago White Sox might not have more of a utility player in the fold than Leury Garcia. He is an absolute stud when it comes to playing more than one position. He is listed on the White Sox depth chart as a backup at all three outfield positions, third base, and shortstop. He is also currently listed as the starting second baseman.
His job as the starting second baseman might not last very long either. Nick Madrigal is what the White Sox believe to be the second baseman of the future. His MLB debut is likely going to come during this 2020 season but the question is just when. He might make the team out of Spring Training but he might not. For as long as Madrigal is a question, it should be Garcia’s job. He plays competently in the field and is a pretty good hitter for the most part.
He might be expendable once Madrigal does come to the MLB, though. Another team that desperately needs a utility man like that could pay a nice price for him. If the White Sox receive an offer that will help them in their Minor League system, they should probably take it and move on from Garica.
128. . SP. Chicago White Sox. Carlos Rodon. 2. player
Unfortunately, the Chicago White Sox might have seen too many pitchers pass Carlos Rodon bye in their organization. He was the 2018 Opening Day starter, almost by default, which means they once saw something so good in him. He has battled injuries every year of his career which has made it hard to have any faith in him. There was a point where he looked like he was going to be a great number three behind Chris Sale and Jose Quintana but we all know what happened there.
Now, it might be best for both sides to have a change. If the White Sox did want to give him another chance at being with this staff that would be great. He does have great stuff when he is healthy and playing well. He also cares deeply about winning with the Chicago White Sox. It would be cool to see him get healthy and dominate but that might not be in the cards.
He had Tommy John during the 2019 season which canceled the year for him. He is also likely going to miss a good chunk of the 2020 season. If another team wanted to give up a future asset for Rodon then Hahn might be willing to make that change. The emergence of Lucas Giolito and the signing of Dallas Keuchel might make this trade easier. That and having Michael Kopech and Dylan Cease waiting in the wings might also help that along.
3. player. 128. . C. Chicago White Sox. James McCann
The Chicago White Sox are loaded at the catcher position. They signed Yasmani Grandal to a big four-year deal back in November so he might be the only guy who is safe to be there long term. They also have James McCann who was an All-Star in 2019. He signed a one-year contract extension over the winter which led a lot of people to believe that this team has one of the best catcher duos in the league, which they do.
They also have Zack Collins, Seby Zavala, and Yermin Mercedes as catchers in the organization. That makes McCann expendable. Other teams might be willing to make a big trade for a guy like him. He is a clutch hitter, a good defensive catcher, and had a really good year offensively in 2019. The fact that he is one year removed from that type of season makes him an attractive asset for Rick Hahn to dangle over other teams if he wanted.
Related Story. Dallas Keuchel's Spring Training 2020 debut. light
If the White Sox can get something for him to better their farm system, bullpen, or depth at another position then they should do it. Grandal being there makes it an easy call along with some potential backups that would be perfectly fine in that spot.