3 Chicago White Sox trade packages for Miguel Andujar

Earlier this week Hector Gome reported that Miguel Andujar had requested a trade from the New York Yankees. The report was later confirmed by Ken Rosenthal.

Andujar looked to be a cornerstone of the Yankees franchise after a breakout season in 2018. He finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, slashing .297/.328/.527 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs. Since then, he has only played in 90 games due to shoulder surgery and wrist issues.

While he has been on the IL, the Yankees have filled his void with other players such as Gio Urshela and Josh Donaldson. Andujar has grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of playing time and constant bouncing around between Triple-A and the majors.

Being optioned to Triple-A for Giancarlo Stanton just compounded the growing list of frustrations for Andujar. This is not the first time the 27-year-old has requested a trade. However, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman does not want to unload him for cheap.

The Yankees are also under no obligation to trade him either since he is under team control through the 2024 season. Andujar is earning $1.3MM in 2022, in his first year of arbitration eligibility.

Cashman may have no choice considering that Andujar is slashing just .234/.260/.329 in 319 plate appearances since from 2019-to 2022. He runs the risk of it plummeting further if he hangs onto the disgruntled prospect.

With his stock being on the downswing, the Chicago White Sox might be able to put a package together to acquire his services.

Andujar is a third baseman by trade but can also play outfield. The White Sox offense has been struggling so adding a player with high offensive upside could be just what they need to helo jump-start things.

The White Sox have a depleted farm system. They also have Yoan Moncada locked in at third base with Jake Burger backing him up.

They don’t need a third baseman. In the outfield, they are waiting for Eloy Jimenez to return from a rehab stint. However, given his injury history, it may be in their best interest to move him to designated hitter full time.

For the right price, Andujar could be a buy-low option with a high ceiling to spring for. It is going to be difficult for them to add any help at the trade deadline because of their lack of assets. They already got outbid for Sean Maneana’s services earlier this year.

But since Andujar’s stock is low, it is worth Rick Hahn to pick up the phone and inquire about adding him. The chances of the White Sox acquiring him are slim to none. But here are three trade packages the White Sox could try and put together if they wanted to add Andujar:

The Chicago White Sox could make a big move for Miguel Andujar if they want.

Micker Adolfo was optioned to Triple-A after having a great spring training, despite having no options remaining. That should tell you that the White Sox thinks he is expendable. Adolfo cleared waivers and is currently playing for the Charlotte Knights.

One could argue that he has the rawest power in the White Sox farm system. Last season, Adolfo crushed 25 home runs between his stints in Birmingham and Charlotte. He is a huge right-handed hitter with quick hands that produce good bat speed through the zone.

His major concern is his high strikeout rate. He has a career rate of 33 percent which will need to be lowered if he wants any shot at sticking around in the big leagues.

However, another thing Adolfo has going for him is his arm. He bounced back from Tommy John’s surgery and has produced 21 outfield assists in seven professional seasons.

Meanwhile, Kelley was a high school standout in 2019. He has a huge arm with fastballs that range from 93 to 98 mph. Despite his raw talent, his first taste of professional baseball was a sour one.

Kelley got lit up for a 7.61 ERA with 26 walks in just 23 2/3 innings. To make matters worse, he showed up out of shape for the 2021 season. His ceiling as a pitcher may be enough for teams to take a flier on him.

Both Adolfo and Kelley are flawed players. But so is Andujar so maybe a change of scenery can do everyone some good.

The Chicago White Sox could give Gavin Sheets a change of scenery soon.

Gavin Sheets burst onto the scene last season. The 26-year-old batted .250 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs in just 54 games. He even snagged a spot on the playoff roster. During the postseason, he was one of the few bright spots for the White Sox. He went 4-for-12 with a home run and a double.

The White Sox would have been better off trading Gavin Sheets this offseason while his stock was still high. This year major league pitchers have adjusted to him and it shows. He is batting just .206. His power has also evaporated. Sheets has just four home runs in 131 at-bats this season.

What makes Sheets valuable is that he is a left-handed power bat. When he does connect with the ball it explodes off the bat. None of his four home runs have been cheap. But with Jake Burger and Andrew Vaughn in the middle of breakout seasons, there is simply no good spot for him on the major league roster. Sheet’s left-handed pop would play especially well in the Bronx.

Will Sheets alone be enough to snag Andujar? Probably not. But considering both players’ stock is down at the moment, it is worth an ask.