Tampa Bay Rays
The Chicago White Sox could land a really nice piece from the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Tampa Bay Rays have a depth chart full of outfielders. One such outfielder is Kevin Kiermaier, whose name has surfaced in trade rumors for years.
The Rays seem to be on the cusp of dealing him when the lockout ends. They already have Josh Lowe lined up as a replacement. Lowe is ranked as the 44th overall prospect by Baseball America. Lowe also torched Triple-A pitching posted a 142 wRC+.
Kiermaier turns 32 in April and has already put together a solid career as the Rays’ center fielder. The nine-year veteran has accumulated three Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove. For a team that has struggled defensively, Kiermaier would be a great addition to the White Sox outfield.
If the White Sox moved him to right field, they could possibly have the best defensive outfield in the American League when you combine Robert and Kiermaier’s range. At the very least, his presence would help overcome Eloy Jimenez’s defensive shortcomings.
Kiermaier is owed $12 million this year with a $13 million club option in 2023. The control would allow the White Sox to have a serviceable right fielder while they wait for their prospects to develop.