The Chicago White Sox are the most relevant team for the upcoming MLB trade deadline. They have the poorest record in baseball and have several valuable players who will bring in a large sum to put them up for the future. Luis Robert Jr., when healthy, is one of the best players in baseball. Garrett Crochet is one of the most sought-after pitchers and has already sparked a lot of curiosity. Despite the dismal year, Gavin Sheets still has some trade value.
Tanner Banks, a relief pitcher, may also be on the move. Any lefty with strikeout ability out of the pen has value. Everyone is wondering what the White Sox’s strategy will be, as they might set the bar.
Here’s what the South Siders will do on Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Luis Robert Jr. stays put.
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) makes a grab against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium.
The White Sox’s future seems gloomy as the deadline approaches.
However, the squad has four prospects ranked in the top 100. They might add a few more by trading their centerfielder, Luis Robert Jr. The 26-year-old is signed until 2025 and has club options through 2027. When healthy, he has a strong argument for being baseball’s best all-around centerfielder. But that is precisely why the White Sox will keep him around.
The White Sox may not be looking to win in 2024 or even 2025, but they will have to return to competitive baseball sometime. Robert Jr. is an ideal talent to create a competitive core around. He boasts a wide power and speed skill set, plays a premium position, and has already established himself as the franchise’s face. The White Sox can trade Luis Robert Jr. in the future if they are unable to rebuild swiftly, but they owe it to their supporters to try.
The White Sox send Garrett Crochet to the pennant race.
Predicting that Garrett Crochet will be traded is not exactly daring. In the lead-up to the deadline, he was linked to a number of teams, the most notable of which was the Dodgers. The Dodgers may potentially provide an enticing package, but no one can match the Baltimore Orioles in terms of value.
The Orioles boast Jackson Holliday, baseball’s top prospect, and two other top-20 prospects in Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo. Baltimore has a poor 7-9 record in July and could need some beginning pitching help. Corbin Burnes, an All-Star Game starter, has been terrific, and Grayson Rodriguez has provided them with depth this season. Behind them, the Orioles could use some assistance.
Crochet moving to the Orioles also provides the organization with an insurance blanket ahead of the off-season. Burnes will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and is having a productive contract year. Crochet has been in control for three years and is only 25 years old.
The White Sox receive: C/1b Samuel Basallo (BAL #2, OVR #12), 3b/1b Coby Mayo (BAL #3, OVR #17), and OF Enrique Bradfield Jr. (BAL #4).
