3 White Sox infielders to trade before spring training begins
The Chicago White Sox are under a month away from seeing their pitchers and catchers report to spring training. It is a long off-season but it does feel like it went by quickly.
They haven't done much to address some of the issues going on with the roster but it is clear that they are going to look a tad bit different from the team that was a complete disaster in 2022.
Going into spring training, it is fair to wonder if any other moves are going to be made in order to better their chances of a bounce-back season in 2023.
They could make a trade or two to do that and it could involve some pretty good players. Trading one of these three infielders might actually be a good idea:
Jake Burger
Jake Burger would help the Chicago White Sox get some help elsewhere.
The Chicago White Sox took a chance on Jake Burger in the first round all of those years ago and thier patience with him has somewhat paid off. He was very injured to start his pro career but he has since become a more reliable player in terms of health.
The White Sox might find a way to trade him though because they are just never going to regularly play him at third base when Yoan Moncada is on the roster. Burger has been a better hitter than Moncada lately but the overall potential of each player doesn't even compare.
Burger is still a very useful hitter and there are teams that would find value in that. The Sox could look to move him for help in other areas of need and it wouldn't be a bad decision at all. He is easy to root on for a variety of reasons so it would be tough to see him go but possibly necessary.
Gavin Sheets
Gavin Sheets could be useful in a trade to make the White Sox better.
Gavin Sheets and Jake Burger have both had similar production at the AAA and MLB levels since the 2021 season started. The tiebreaker in the favor of Sheets seems to be that he is a left-handed hitter. That allowed him to be a somewhat big part of what the White Sox are doing offensively.
Unfortunately, the White Sox have a lot of players that play the outfield at a subpar level, play first base, and are a designated-hitter all at once. Sheets fits into that group which might cost him some playing time with this team. That is not a negative on him and his strengths, the White Sox just have a few too many players like him.
Jose Abreu is already out the door but he was the most valuable of all the players that fit into that role. He has been an MVP in the American League and one of the most consistent hitters in the entire league. Seeing Sheets leave would be tough but not like the loss of Jose Abreu.
Trading a left handed power bat that can play some first base and outfield might get the White Sox at least a little something in return. That might intrigue a team that has a surplus of something the White Sox need but might be lacking some power. It is something to consider for Rick Hahn.
Lenyn Sosa
Trading Lenyn Sosa could really help the White Sox grow the roster.
The Chicago White Sox have been searching for a second baseman for a long time now. They thought it might be Nick Madrigal but they sent him to the Chicago Cubs in a trade for Craig Kimbrel. Because of that, they never got to see if he was going to be the second baseman of the future.
Now, after the disappointing year that was 2022, they are still looking for someone to fill in that spot for the long term. Unfortunately, their plan for the position in 2023 isn't one that makes anyone super excited about it.
The plan is for Romy Gonzalez to be the second baseman and Lenyn Sosa is going to be the backup. Both of them have a fair amount of potential but nothing that makes anyone think they will steal the job at that position in the long term.
Sosa's potential should make other teams consider taking a chance on him, especially if they are rebuilding. The White Sox might be able to get a second baseman worth being excited about if they include Sosa in a larger package. The Miami Marlins come to mind here.
The White Sox might not end up doing what they said they were going to do (improve move before spring training) but moving one of these infielders is something to consider.
Next. The White Sox should consider a trade for Max Fried. dark