5 Chicago White Sox players who won't survive the trade deadline
The Chicago White Sox are in bad shape. They are going to be selling off some of their biggest players before the deadline to try and salvage a little bit of the future.
The landscape in the American League has been very interesting this year. Of course, some teams are better than others but nobody in the league is way ahead of the next best team.
There are about five teams in each league that believe that they can win the World Series. The White Sox are not one of them. Some of the good players on this team are going to be traded as a result.
These five players are not going to survive the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline:
1. Tim Anderson
Trading Tim Anderson is going to be a big move for the White Sox.
The Chicago White Sox have had some amazing moments with Tim Anderson. For most of his White Sox career, especially from 2019-2022, he was an elite player.
Unfortunately, things have fallen off badly for him this year. He started off well (including playing for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic) but an early injury took him out and he hasn’t recovered.
Now, there is a realistic chance that he is moved. The White Sox probably won’t get good value for him but he also just hasn’t been a good player this year.
There are a few teams that would take a risk on him but some of them might force him to move to second base. Seeing him go would be sad but it could be good for both sides.
2. Lucas Giolito
Lucas Giolito is the top trade piece for the Chicago White Sox right now.
Lucas Giolito has been the overall best pitcher on the White Sox for about half a decade. Other pitchers have had better single seasons but he has been the most consistent.
In 2019, 2020, and 2021, he was a top-ten starter in the American League but he had a horrific 2022 season. That left a lot of question marks coming into 2023.
Of course, he has proved all of the doubters wrong. This year has been nothing short of a great bounce-back season for Lucas. He should be proud of the way that he has handled himself.
The problem is that Lucas Giolito pitching so well this year has come on a really bad team. Now, he has pitched himself into trade talks.
Any contender would love to add him as a starter in their rotation right now. He might be the top starter available right now ahead of the deadline.
3. Lance Lynn
Lance Lynn has pitched well enough to go to a contender at the deadline.
The White Sox don’t only have one starter that won’t survive the trade deadline. We don’t even know if they only have two.
However, it is fair to assume that Lance Lynn is the other starter whose name is out there. He is a very interesting case when it comes to the trade market.
Lynn was brutal to start the season. That might actually be putting it lightly. However, he has pitched much better lately and has proven that he can eat some innings.
Lynn is also striking out opposing hitters at an elite rate. Contending teams might look at that fact and believe that they can win with him late in their rotation or perhaps even in their playoff bullpen.
Lynn has a ton of pedigree in this league. He has won a World Series, been in Cy Young conversations, and brings an incredible winning attitude wherever he goes. We’ll see what the White Sox can get for him.
4. Kendall Graveman
The Chicago White Sox have bullpen help for those who need it.
Yes, another pitcher. Kendall Graveman is someone that could be sent away from the Chicago White Sox before the August 1st deadline. He might even land them a decent haul for a variety of reasons.
Unlike Giolito and Lynn, Graveman is a reliever. There are teams out there that might value that more than a starter depending on their makeup.
Last summer, we saw relievers traded for some great returns ahead of the deadline. The White Sox are a team now that could take advantage of that market if it is there once again.
Graveman, especially in a winning environment, could absolutely thrive. He has experience pitching in high-pressure situations and teams will know that when potentially acquiring him.
Obviously, the White Sox bullpen will be taking a hit if they were to lose someone like Graveman but it doesn’t matter at this point of the season. If there is an offer out there for him of any kind, the Sox need to jump on it.
5. Joe Kelly
Joe Kelly could be moved if everything goes right for him this week.
Kendall Graveman might not be the only reliever worth something to teams as the trade deadline approaches. Pitching is at a premium during this time of year.
If Joe Kelly is deemed healthy enough by the deadline, he may get some interest. He has pitched well this season for the most part which is a reason he could end up going.
Like Graveman, he also has a wealth of experience playing in big games. In fact, Kelly is probably one of the most well-experienced players in the league right now. This dude won the World Series twice and with two different teams. His experience is invaluable.
A reliever like Kelly is something that every team in the league wants. He is on the Injured List right now which clouds his future but he could come off before the deadline comes.
If that happens, the White Sox might be showcasing him to other teams. That really applies to all five of these guys. We'll certainly see whether or not they survive the deadline or not.
Next. The 15 worst contracts in Chicago White Sox history. dark