Braves-Spencer Strider rumors give White Sox massive offseason trade opportunity

It’s been more than a month since the MLB trade deadline passed, but rumors are still surfacing about trades that were almost made. On deadline day, word dropped that the Texas Rangers had discussed trading ace Jacob deGrom, but the veteran starter wouldn’t waive his no trade clause. Now, some more information on those talks has come to light. According to MLB.com insiders Mark Bowman and Mark Feinsand, the Atlanta Braves considered including right-hander Spencer Strider in the deal for deGrom for salary relief purposes. I think if Atlanta is willing to include Strider in deals, it’s an avenue the White Sox should explore this offseason. 

Strider, 27, emerged as one of the best starters in baseball during a 2022 season that saw him post a 2.67 ERA in 131.2 innings. He followed it up by winning 20 games in 2023 and reaching 186.2 innings of 3.86 ball. Since then, however, his health has become an obstacle. Strider made just two starts in 2024 before heading to the IL with an elbow strain. He underwent an internal brace surgery that wiped out the remainder of this season, and made his return in April of 2025. A hamstring strain knocked him out until May, and he ended up making 23 starts but posted an ERA of just 4.45 last season. Strider has been limited to just eight starts this season amid oblique and elbow injuries, and he’s back on the 60-day IL with more elbow inflammation. He was cleared to resume throwing in August but has yet to return to big league action. 

Spencer Strider would be an expensive, but high-reward investment

At his best, Strider undoubtedly has the stuff to be a frontline starter in the big leagues. He averaged 97.2 MPH on his fastball during his 2023 season, and he struck out hitters at a higher rate than anyone else in baseball that year thanks to an elite slider and changeup as well. In October of 2022, Strider signed a six-year, $75 million extension with Atlanta. His contract was heavily front-loaded, so he’s owed $20 million for 2026 and will be owed $22 million in 2027 and 2028, with a $22 million club option for 2029. It’s a significant financial investment for a pitcher with a questionable injury history, so the White Sox would need to be very sure that he’s healthy if they were going to make such a deal, and it would be wise to not give up too many good prospects. 

The White Sox have definite holes they’ll need to address in their starting rotation, and this year’s free-agent class is particularly weak. They may need to get creative to address their needs. They may not find a higher-upside option available than Spencer Strider, who is still just 27 years-old despite having been in the league for a few years. Between Strider and Luis Castillo, who the White Sox owe a significant amount of money next season, the team would have a pair of expensive but high-ceiling pitchers that could anchor their rotation with some mechanical tweaks in the offseason. Penciling in Sean Burke, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay could give the team a solid group to move forward with next year. 

For now, the White Sox’ priority should be winning the AL Central and getting into the Postseason, but it’s not too early to start thinking ahead about moves they could make to put themselves in a position to win in 2027 and beyond.

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