4 White Sox players that won't make it to August 1st
Just days from the trade deadline, there will be players on the White Sox today that will not remain on the team in August. The White Sox attempted to make one last push to stay together but getting swept in Minnesota killed any last-ditch effort to turn the season around.
Even the most optimistic of fans are throwing in the towel on this season, this core, management, front office, and organization.
Change must come. Hopefully, this organization will look very different in 2024. With the jobs of Kenny Williams and Rick Hahn currently on the line, a blockbuster trade involving players who aren't rentals is unlikely.
The new executives to be hired in the offseason will make those big decisions in a perfect world.
The Chicago White Sox need to be sellers at the 2023 Trade Deadline.
However, at the 2023 trade deadline, there are pieces the White Sox should move right now.
With almost everyone in the organization on the trade block, about five or six names were called out as players most likely on the move. With about a week left until the deadline, that list has been trimmed to three, maybe four.
The names of relievers Keynan Middleton, Aaron Bummer, and Joe Kelly floated around but recent struggles from these pitchers suggest they will stay put if not traded at a loss.
With another year of control, the White Sox can ask high on a streaking Tim Anderson. There is a chance teams would not be willing to part ways with a package for the shortstop. The extra year of control acts as leverage for both sides.
Dylan Cease is not going anywhere.
So who's left? These 4 players won't be on the White Sox roster on August 1:
Kendall Graveman
Kendall Graveman might have value on the 2023 trade market.
At least one reliever from the White Sox will wear a different uniform come August 1. Exactly how many is another question.
About three weeks ago, three or four names were a hot commodity for contending teams needing a bullpen boost. Today, however, that list has fallen to two or three.
Despite a solid start to his 2023, Kendall Graveman has not had a July to brag about. In 7.2 innings of work this month, Graveman allowed five earned runs off eight hits and eight strikeouts but four walks. Since the All-Star break, however, Graveman has been turning things around.
The blown save Sunday against the Twins was a setback and his trade stock took a bit of a hit. Despite this, Graveman has been a reliable backend bullpen reliever.
Considering his 3.71 ERA in 26.2 innings pitched in the ninth inning, the team trading for Graveman is not looking for a closer but rather a setup man in the 8th to get to that last inning. Graveman has pitched ten innings in the 8th and has allowed just one earned run off three hits and 11 strikeouts.
Teams with a reliable closer that still need backend bullpen help will contact the White Sox. The Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds fall into this category.
Greogory Santos
Gregory Santos has been a big time surprise for the 2023 White Sox.
The second reliever definitely to be traded out of Chicago is Gregory Santos.
In July, Santos pitched 7.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs and two walks off eight strikeouts. Since the All-Star break, he has pitched three innings striking out four off just four hits. In 48 innings of work this year, Santos has held hitters to a .259/.309/.311 slash with a .620 OPS
Santos is a stronger pitcher in the 7th and 8th innings, with a 1.15 and 2.45, respectively. Strangely the 6th inning is a struggle for him, but so has the 9th. He took the ball in the final frame in three games but has allowed six earned runs off 11 hits.
The team that trades for Santos will not consider him a shut-down closer or even a shut-down setup man. The team trading for him is looking for extra length from the rotation to the back end of the bullpen, the opposite of Graveman.
Adding a reliever applies to just about every contender. There is no such thing as too much pitching. The Rangers, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Rays, Dodgers, Marlins, and anyone in the running with a team ERA higher than 3.76 could utilize Santos to make a World Series push.
Lance Lynn
Lance Lynn could be traded by the Chicago White Sox very soon.
In his last year of control, it would be wise for the White Sox to try to get as much as possible out of Lance Lynn.
After the trade in December 2020, emotions were high, and people started buying into the White Sox. Lynn was asked to pitch bulk innings, keep the team in the game and be a leader to the young pitchers.
He has gone above and beyond what was asked. Unfortunately, his time has run out and it is time to move on.
Despite still being under control with a club option in 2024, this will likely be the selling point in putting together a package for Lynn. With a 6.18 ERA through 115 innings this season, that club option will do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Before his last start against Minnesota, Lynn had a 2.92 ERA in 12 innings of work in his other two July starts. In those two starts, he struck out 17, allowing only four earned runs.
The home runs allowed have been an issue for Lynn all year but he is currently putting up a career-high K/9 rate at 10.88, beating out his 2019 season when he finished at 10.63 and 10.38 in his rookie season in 2011.
Lynn offers a veteran starting pitcher who could take the mound when the rotation's 1, 2, and 3 pitchers need a rest.
He can be relied on to eliminate the need for a bullpen game in a crucial series. Pretty much any contending team could utilize Lynn, but the Rays, Diamondbacks, and Rangers are the best suiters.
Lucas Giolito
The Chicago White Sox could be trading Lucas Giolito at any point.
In a perfect world, Lucas Giolito and the White Sox agree to an extension and he helps this team win after retooling. Unfortunately, with Giolito being the team's best asset on the trade block, trading him is required for the retooling.
Many fans have given up on Giolito. His lack of consistency is frustrating but he gives his all every five days.
When the broadcast pans over to the dugout, he is the only one with energy, slamming his hands on the padding railing to fire up his teammates, it makes up for his struggles while he tries to figure himself out.
However, this front office has shown zero interest in resigning their once ace which means he must at least be traded. Letting Giolito walk for nothing would be unforgivable and Sox fans might riot down to 35th and Shields.
Many teams have asked about Giolito. Unlike Lynn, Giolito will be that ace or number two for contenders like the Diamondbacks, Reds, Rangers, and Dodgers.
Considering he could be relied on in the first game of a series drives up his asking price. His rental status, however, takes it down a notch. There is an angle Hahn and company can pitch. Whichever team wins the Giolito sweepstakes will be first in line to offer an extension.
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