Chicago White Sox: 1 trade to make and 1 to avoid
The trade deadline is fast approaching. Unlike previous seasons the Chicago White Sox is in a position to add at the deadline. They have a 54-36 record and are eight games up in the division race. With Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert set to return, the White Sox could be just a few pieces away from putting the finishing touches on a World Series contender. However, it is clear the White Sox needs some upgrades to push them over the top. Their struggles against the Astros further empathize that.
A good trade can be the difference between winning and losing the World Series. A bad trade can set an organization back. In 2016, both Chicago teams provided a perfect example of this. The Chicago Cubs added Aroldis Chapman to their bullpen and it pushed them over the top in their quest for the title. Chapman proved to be the missing piece to the roster and helped them win their first World Series since 1908.
The Chicago White Sox needs to be smart at the MLB trade deadline this year.
The White Sox made a splash at the 2016 trade deadline as well. Unfortunately, it did not work out so well for them. They are still kicking themselves for trading Fernado Tatis Jr. for James Shields. Shields was a disaster and finished the season with a 6.77 ERA for the White Sox. Tatis Jr turned into one of the best players in the MLB. The White Sox would like to avoid a similar mistake this time around. Here is one player the White Sox needs to trade for and one trade to avoid:
There are plenty of good players for the Chicago White Sox to consider this year.
Need To Trade For Adam Frazier
The White Sox have a very strong roster overall. They don’t need a starting pitcher. They have an MVP first baseman in Jose Abreu, an All-Star shortstop in Tim Anderson, and a former top prospect manning third base in Yoan Moncada.
In the outfield, they have a gold glove caliber combo in Billy Hamilton and Adam Engel. Brian Goodwin exceeded expectations in the right field. Reinforcements are on the way when Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, and Yasmani Grandal return from injury. The biggest hole in the equation is at second base.
Friday night’s game against the Houston Astros was further evidence the White Sox need to make a move at the deadline. Leury Garcia has been a solid player for the White Sox but he cannot be the starting second baseman on a championship contender. He is much better suited for a utility role.
Out of all the infielders available at the trade deadline, Adam Frazier makes the most sense. Frazier is in the midst of his best season to date. He put together an All-Star campaign during the first half of the season by hitting .330 with 116 hits, 31 RBIs, and 34 extra-base hits. These numbers earned him his first career All-Star appearance. He made the most of it, starting at second base for the National League and hitting a single.
His ability to hit for contact and for a high average makes him the perfect replacement for the injured Nick Madrigal. He would also have much more lineup protection with the White Sox than he does with the Pirates so his numbers should get even better. He would also fit in great with the White Sox clubhouse. Frazier won the Heart and Hustle Award in 2017 with the Pirates. That is the type of player Tony La Russa wants in the locker room, a guy that plays hard.
Unlike Trevor Story and Eduardo Escobar, he has multiple years left on his contract. He would not be a rental player and the White Sox can use his services again in a Championship run next season. What makes Frazier valuable is his versatility. He is a true utility player that can play multiple positions.
Even when Nick Madrigal returns next season, the White Sox should be able to find a spot to plug Frazier in. In 2016 he played 16 games in right field so perhaps he could be the White Sox solution there. Frazier makes too much sense for the White Sox not to trade for. He is a better player than Escobar. Meanwhile, Trevor Story probably costs more and needs to transition to second base.
The Chicago White Sox have to be smart if they are going to make a big trade.
Trade To Avoid: Joey Gallo
Joey Gallo is an excellent player. He is having a monster season in 2021 as well. Gallo has launched 24 home runs with 52 RBIs so far this year. He also has a cannon for an arm. His bat in the White Sox lineup would do damage with all that protection surrounding him. However, the juice is not worth the squeeze.
While all of that sounds great the White Sox will have to overpay to acquire him. For starters, Gallo is making $6.2 million this season. The Rangers would like to trade him in an effort to shed payroll. However, Gallo is arbitration-eligible for one more year meaning they don’t need to rush to trade him.
They could wait until the offseason which only increases their leverage. The price for Gallo will be high. The White Sox would have to give up a player such as Jared Kelly, the number one prospect in their farm system. It’s possible they would even have to throw in a player like Gavin Sheets in that deal.
The Chicago White Sox should consider a trade for Craig Kimbrel. light. Related Story
The White Sox already have a gold-glove outfielder in Luis Robert, who is set to return in the second half. They also have a power bat in Eloy Jimenez waiting in the wings. Mixing them with Andrew Vaughn, Adam Engel, and Brian Goodwin, the White Sox do not need to add another outfielder to the mix. Why waste valuable prospects when there are other more pressing needs? Overpaying for someone they do not need is something the White Sox absolutely needs to avoid.