The Chicago White Sox won the division handily last season and have their eyes on a bigger prize. However, the division won’t come so easy this season as the Detroit Tigers have drastically improved and the Twins figure to be better than their pitiful showing in 2021.
Inter division trades do not happen often. Teams do not like strengthening their biggest rivals. However, that does not mean it can’t happen.
Last season, the White Sox landed Ceasar Hernandez from Cleveland. It did not work out as planned. They also traded for former All-Star Yonder Alonso in 2019 in the hopes of strengthening the middle of their lineup. Once again Cleveland got the better of them as Alonso was released midseason after hitting just .178 in 67 games.
The White Sox swung a trade with the Kansas City Royals in 2018 when they acquired Joakim Soria in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soria did a solid job as the White Sox closer before being flipped at the trade deadline.
The Chicago White Sox may or may not be willing to trade within the division.
Detroit traded away Avisail Garcia in a three-team deal for Jake Peavy. Garcia had the makings of a star but was mostly disappointing aside from an All-Star campaign in 2017. The longest trade drought between any team in the division for the White Sox has been with the Minnesota Twins.
The White Sox were trying to make a playoff push in 2012 so they acquired Francisco Liriano for Eduardo Escobar. Escobar has carved out a nice nine-year career. Meanwhile, Liriano posted a 5.40 ERA in 12 starts and the White Sox missed the playoffs.
Here is one player the White Sox could try and trade for from each of their division rivals: