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3 White Sox not named Dylan Cease who the team should trade

The White Sox should trade these three players.

By Bryce Lazenby |
Chicago White Sox v Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox v Boston Red Sox / Paul Rutherford/GettyImages
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The Chicago White Sox lost 101 games in 2023. This was the first 100-loss season for the team since 2018 and just the team's fifth ever. Thus, it's safe to say the team has much work to do if they want to compete any time soon.

Much of the conversation surrounding the team this offseason has been about Dylan Cease. The star pitcher has been involved in trade rumors for a year now, but the team seems to be hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal. Cease would likely bring in the largest haul of anyone not named Luis Robert Jr., but that's not to say the team doesn't have other assets.

Today, I want to identify 3 players that aren't Cease that should be moved.

Eloy Jimenez

Jimenez has been flirted around in trade rumors for a while now. Last summer, the slugger was frequently linked to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Sox ended up holding on to Jimenez, but the slugger still has plenty of value and could be on the move this season.

Due to injury and inconsistency, Jimenez has always had the tools to be an elite cornerstone but has never reached his full potential. Since the start of the 2021 season, Jimenez has played in just over half of the team's games. The slugger was able to play 120 games in 2023, the second-most games he's ever played.

Jimenez slashed .272/.317/.441 (105 wRC+) with 18 homers in 489 trips to the plate in 2023. While those numbers are decent, you have to factor in that Jimenez is a complete liability on defense and is guaranteed $16M in 2024. Still, a team with money to spend that needs a right-handed power bat could do worse than Jimenez. The Sox are a rebuilding team that doesn't need to be spending big on a DH.

Yoan Moncada

Moncada, like Jimenez, was brought in via trade and once appeared to be a cornerstone of the new Chicago White Sox. Also like Jimenez, Moncada has struggled with inconsistency and injury.

In 2023, however, Moncada was one of the few White Sox players who accounted for positive WAR. The infielder slashed .260/.305/.425 and had an OPS of .730. He hit 11 home runs, had 40 RBIs, and 39 runs scored. These are solid numbers that a contending team would be interested in. Factor in Moncada's solid defense, and you have a player who can return some assets.

However, the contract is the problem here. Moncada will make $24M in 2024 and has a club option for $25M in 2025. The majority of teams would gasp on that price when factoring in Moncada's inconsistency and injury history. If Moncada goes on a tear in 2024, though, that could change.

If he does stay healthy, Moncada could be a name to watch for in 2024. Frankly, if he does stay healthy, he makes for an even better trade candidate. Moncada doesn't fit the timeline at all and with other teams possibly being interested in a switch hitter, he should field interest at the deadline.

Sep 20, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert
Sep 20, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Luis Robert Jr.

Other than Dylan Cease, nobody has been more frequently mentioned as a trade candidate than Robert. Robert is one of the best players in baseball and has a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and an All-Star appearance on his resume.

Trading Robert would warrant a king's ransom. General manager Chris Getz has downplayed the idea of trading Robert, but it's hard to say a player is ever truly "off limits." A player of Robert's caliber could accelerate the rebuild in Chicago and give multiple top prospects to a depleted system.

Robert is slated to make $12.5M in 2024, which is a bargain if he continues his pace. The star outfielder is slated to make $15M in 2025 and could be a free agent in 2026. The window to get multiple difference-making prospects for Robert is wide open. What you can't do is hold on to Robert too long and not take advantage of this window.

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