3 Chicago White Sox who could be traded before Opening Day
The Chicago White Sox are in for an interesting season. They were one of the most disappointing teams in the league during the 2022 season and are now dealing with mixed expectations coming into spring training here in 2023.
They made some interesting moves this off-season but nothing that is going to move the needle. In order to do that, they need the stars that they already have to play to their potential. It is easier said than done but certainly a possibility.
They could try to make another move before the spring season is over in order to better their team before Opening Day.
They have a couple of players on the roster that would be good for a trade if necessary. These are the three players that may get consideration to be on the move before the season begins:
Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly is someone that the Chicago White Sox might consider moving.
The Chicago White Sox signed Joe Kelly last off-season in the hopes that they'd be getting the good version of him which would mean that they are getting an outstanding pitcher. Unfortunately, he wasn't very good when he wasn't injured.
This is a guy that has won the World Series with two different teams so he does have some valuable experience under his belt that can help any team.
If the White Sox packaged him in with another player in a big trade to move away from his money, it might be a really smart move for them. He has had a great career but the White Sox don't really need him in their bullpen anymore.
It is sad that it didn't work out for him in Chicago but the team should really consider moving on. Even if he starts the year, they should be looking to see if anyone wants him as the year goes on. Hopefully, with or without the White Sox, he helps the team get better.
Gavin Sheets
Gavin Sheets could be someone that the White Sox consider trading.
Gavin Sheets is a very good power hitter. He brings a lot as a left-handed hitter and should be in the Major Leagues for a long time. Over the last few years, he has done a tremendous job playing for the Chicago White Sox after coming up from AAA in 2021.
Sheets is the type of player that can play multiple positions but he is a first baseman by trade. Unfortunately, once Oscar Colas becomes the everyday right fielder, Sheets doesn't have a position to play for the team every single day.
Andrew Vaughn is going to be the first baseman and Andrew Benintendi is the new left fielder on the richest contract in team history. As of now, Sheets is a platoon player that will be used in certain situations. Despite this, he deserves everyone's respect for the way that he has grown his game.
Sheets may benefit from a change of scenery. There are plenty of teams out there, even some good ones, that have more playing time available for a guy like Sheets.
If the right offer comes up, don't be surprised if the White Sox give him that kind of opportunity which would also help the team improve their roster with a different need. Until then, however, Sheets is a great player for Chicago to have in their back pocket.
Aaron Bummer
Aaron Bummer is someone that can help the Chicago White Sox improve.
Aaron Bummer has been an elite reliever in his career. He has also dealt with some injuries and inconsistencies over that time as well. He missed most of the 2022 season dealing with an injury that hurt the bullpen a lot.
If the right offer came up for Aaron Bummer, the Chicago White Sox should absolutely consider it. Much like Kelly, he can be useful to another team if they wanted to find a different need on the roster in exchange for him.
Bummer is the kind of pitcher that can deal with bad luck because guys beat his sinkers into the ground forcing the defense to be very good and we all know how that can work out for them.
If he plays for the White Sox, he is sure to be good but getting something for him before he gets hurt again might actually be a smart move.
It is unclear if the White Sox make another move before the season begins but it is something for them to look at. If one of these three is moved before spring begins, nobody should be surprised.
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