White Sox: Edwin Diaz's new contract makes Liam Hendriks tradable

The 2022 World Series is over as the Houston Astros have defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. Now, the offseason can begin for teams like the Chicago White Sox who are going to try and make things better for themselves in 2023.

Other teams across the league are already beginning their off-season shenanigans. The biggest move made so far is the re-signing of New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz.

Many believed that he would test the market but it took him no time to sign a five-year deal worth 102 million dollars. It is the richest contract in the history of Major League Baseball closers as it is the first nine-figure contract a closer has ever received.

This is also the first time a closer has gone above 20 million dollars per year. It is an incredible contract that Diaz earned by being one of the best closers in all of baseball last year.

Edwin Diaz's contract is going to affect White Sox closer Liam Hendriks.

Another interesting detail of the contract is the fact that there is a sixth year option, an opt-out, and a full no trade clause. All of these things make the contract handed out to Liam Hendriks seem cheap.

Hendriks is still one of the best closers in the game as well but he is the fourth highest-paid player on the White Sox roster. It could be smart to consider moving him in a trade if the price is right.

A team that missed out on Diaz might consider making a blockbuster type of trade for the All-Star closer from the Chicago White Sox. If the Sx are offered something amazing, they might want to consider it.

It would only make sense if they took that saved money and spent it on other parts of the team. For Rick Hahn at this point in the game, he might have to make a bold move to make the outlook of 2023 better.

It would be hard to see Liam leave town as he is a joy to watch but there are other ways that the White Sox can use that money. There are teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers who might pay a pretty penny to add a guy like that to their bullpen.

Maybe, the White Sox will find a way to keep him and still make other upgrades to the roster. Either way, seeing Edwin Diaz reset the market for closers (and relievers) could have changed things for Liam Hendriks next year and beyond.