We’ve talked a lot about free agent targets for the White Sox as the offseason gets underway, and for good reason. The team’s payroll is fairly low and there are clear needs in the starting rotation, and potentially in the outfield. There should be nothing preventing the White Sox from spending money to upgrade their rotation this offseason, but free agency isn’t the only avenue of acquiring talent. With a lockout coming, November should be busy around the league not only for free agency, but for trades as well. Here are three potential trade candidates the White Sox could consider to bolster their roster ahead of the lockout.
LHP Reid Detmers, LAA
Perhaps the most popular name in trade rumors for the White Sox ahead of the deadline, Reid Detmers ultimately finished the season with the Angels after nobody met their asking price. The 27-year-old lefty enjoyed a breakout season in 2026 where he posted a 3.36 ERA in 185 innings across 32 starts. Detmers was even better in August and September after the deadline passed, posting a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings in August and a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings in September. He’ll head into 2027 looking to build on his breakout season and live up to his former top-10 pick pedigree. With the Angels potentially embarking on a full rebuild, this could be the opportunity for them to move Detmers, who has two years left on his contract, for a solid haul of prospects. The White Sox would have to be willing to part with talent, but they’d be adding a top-of-the-rotation lefty who can help them for multiple seasons. As an Illinois native, Detmers may even be interested in an extension. Personally, I’d consider parting with any prospect not named Caleb Bonemer or Roch Cholowsky to get Detmers, and it’s an avenue I expect the White Sox to explore.
LHP Shane McClanahan, TB
After getting Cy Young votes in a 2022 season where he posted a 2.54 ERA in 28 starts, Shane McClanahan was well on his way to being in consideration again in 2023 before an injury derailed his season. McLanahan ended up having Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2024 season, and he tried to come back in 2025 but dealt with a tricep nerve issue that wiped that entire season as well. Finally healthy for the start of 2026, McLanahan posted a 3.34 ERA across 118 innings this season, but did work through a pair of IL stints due to back and forearm issues. He’ll enter 2027 in the final year of his contract, and the Rays may consider dealing him if they don’t plan to bring him back. Tampa has a decision to make on righty Drew Rasmussen as well, and picking up his option could affect what they do with McClanahan. His impending free agency and injury history should lower his price tag, and he could give the White Sox a high-upside rotation option for 2027.
Shane McClanahan is back on an MLB mound for the first time since Aug. 2, 2023 👏
— MLB (@MLB) April 1, 2026
He capped off a 1-2-3 first inning with a strikeout! pic.twitter.com/hC0I00errx
RHP Logan Gilbert, SEA
Speaking of high-upside rentals, Mariners righty Logan Gilbert had his worst season since his rookie year in 2026 and still posted a 3.73 ERA in 32 starts. The former first-round pick will be 29 on Opening Day and is heading into his final year before hitting free agency. With a rotation featuring Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, Emerson Hancock, and top pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan, as well as rehabbing righty Logan Evans, the Mariners may be looking to move on from a starter ahead of the new season. They reportedly listened to offers on Kirby at the trade deadline, but Gilbert makes more sense to move with less control. I wouldn’t give up too much for a rental if I were the White Sox, but it’s hard to find a starter more consistent over the past few seasons than Gilbert. If the White Sox are open to moving prospects for pitching, I expect Gilbert to be among the names they check in on.
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