If the White Sox sell, here are 5 players who could be traded by the deadline that originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching and the White Sox could become one of the best sellers in the market amid a losing season and the current fourth-place finish in the AL Central.
NY Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the White Sox are ready to sell at the deadline, noting that they will likely protect Dylan Cease, Luis Robert Jr., Andrew Vaughn and Eloy Jiménez from the trade.
At first glance, one might assume that the White Sox aren’t looking to sell their entire squad to embark on a full rebuild. They will likely look for good deals and listen before possibly swapping some of their current members.
Who does that leave in the market? Here are five players who could be traded at the deadline.
Giolito’s name has been thrown around enough in the rumor mill since the August 1 deadline approached.
The Sox ace is nearing the end of officiating, making him an unrestricted free agent this winter. After earning $10.2 million this season, he’s likely on the hunt for a lucrative, long-term contract to match his efforts and potential.
The Sox probably aren’t looking to make that commitment, making it a better time than ever to sell his services. His name was widely attached to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jon Morosi recently reported that the Dodgers had an interest in bringing Giolito back to his hometown, with the Reds.
“He’s very tradeable because he’s a very good pitcher,” Frank Thomas said on the White Sox’s pre-game live broadcast on Friday. “If the White Sox don’t pay this guy the front line money he deserves, I would trade him and get him back because this team needs to make trades. He’s a guy you can trade and get a spectacular talent for.”
Lance Lynn
Lynn, 36, is another candidate to be part of the trading bloc.
He’s a tough sell, considering he maintains a 6.03 ERA and 1.471 WHIP in 18 outings this season. But he showed elite flashes, tying the franchise record for most strikeouts in a game (16) against the Seattle Mariners, and throwing 11 in a seven-inning scoreless outing against the Blues. Toronto Jays in his last outing.
The Texas Rangers, his former team before joining the Sox, would be interested in exchanging his services. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale also told Chuck Garfien on the White Sox Talk podcast that opposing GMs “love” Lynn.
He has a semi-favorable contract as a lease option, with an expiring deal and a club option for 2024 on the books. His price tag of $18 million for this season, however, could put off some suitors.
Clevinger offers a solid rental for any team in contention that needs a starter at the end of its rotation. The Sox signed him to a one-year contract in December, leaving him with no conditions if a suitor wanted to send him back to free agency next winter.
In 12 games and 62.2 innings this season, Clevinger has a 3.88 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 26 walks.
He’s been relatively solid when he plays, but injuries kept him off the pitch for a considerable amount of time. He endured wrist and bicep inflammation in his throwing arm, which earned him two separate stints on the injured list.
Graveman has stepped up gracefully this season, taking the role of Liam Hendriks in the ninth inning and being an ace in the hole for the White Sox bullpen.
He has a 2.93 ERA in 41 games and 40 innings pitched this season. He didn’t allow a single run in May with 11 appearances and allowed five runs in June from 13 outings. So far he has not allowed any racing in July.
Graveman could restore real value to the Sox. And he’s not the only name in the bullpen that could be traded. Joe Kelly, Reynaldo Lopez, Aaron Bummer and Keynan Middleton may wear different uniforms after August 1.
As the face of the White Sox, arguably since coming to the majors in 2016, and arguably since winning the MLB batting title in 2019, he’s borderline reckless on my part to consider his name here.
But, if the White Sox are looking to reload, trade aging players and keep a young core together, now may be the best time to get the most out of Anderson in the trade market. He has a club option for next season, marking the final year of his contract before undeniably asking for a big raise as the league’s premier shortstop.
Are the White Sox willing to afford it if they reset the roster?
He’s on the wrong side of 30 and in the midst of one of his worst seasons in the league. He batted .152 from the plate in June and currently has a -9 save value defensively at shortstop this season — the worst value of his career since his second season.
Don’t expect the White Sox to trade Anderson unless they commit to trading a good chunk of their roster.
Click here to follow the White Sox Talk podcast.