The Chicago White Sox have missed out on Eduardo Escobar. He was reported to be a White Sox target a few weeks ago but clearly, the price became too high for Rick Hahn and company. Now, he is headed to the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal made between them and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Not long after that news broke, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the White Sox and Colorado Rockies are having talks about Trevor Story.
Some people might be annoyed with Bob for getting the Escobar story wrong but he was probably right at the time of his report. The price tag drove the White Sox away after the initial thought was that it could get done. However, Bob is well connected to the White Sox organization and when he says something, there are legs to it.
If the White Sox landed Story, according to Nightengale, he would make the transition to second base in place of Nick Madrigal. Tim Anderson is obviously the full-time shortstop but there is a big hole at second base. Danny Mendick and Leury Garcia are fine backups but they need a true starter if they want to make a deep run this year.
Not only would it be an answer defensively at second base, but it would also add an elite bat in the middle of the White Sox lineup. With Eloy Jimenez already back and Luis Robert and Yasmani Grandal on the way, this lineup is already going to be so deep. If you add someone like Story to the mix, they are deep 1-9. That is the type of lineup that would be good enough to win the World Series if everyone plays to their strengths.
Sources: Brewers acquire Eduardo Escobar.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 28, 2021
The #WhiteSox continue to have talks with the #Rockies for shortstop Trevor Story, who would slide over to second base.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 28, 2021
The Chicago White Sox would be so smart if they made a play for Trevor Story.
Adding someone like Trevor Story would change everything. The rest of the American League already knows how good they are. They got Jimenez back with a big lead in the AL Central and it is only going to get worse when Robert and Grandal get back. If they add someone like Story, the rest of the American League is going to view them as legit contenders more than they already are.
Story is a two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He isn’t having his best season so far but the Rockies are no fun to play for right now. Things are bad there and he needs a change of scenery. If he came to the south side, you can guarantee that he would catch fire.