The White Sox are telling teams that they’re willing to trade any player on their roster who is under team control for less than four years, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports (subscription required). Chicago GM Rick Hahn has already spoken of wanting to pursue longer-term assets this offseason, while earlier reports have suggested that Hahn has been open to trading almost any of his current players.
The list of White Sox players with less than four years of club control remaining includes Melky Cabrera, Todd Frazier, Brett Lawrie, David Robertson, Jose Abreu, James Shields, Zach Putnam, Avisail Garcia, Miguel Gonzalez, Jake Petricka, Dan Jennings and ace Chris Sale (whose deal contains club options for 2018 and 2019 that look like no-brainers to be exercised). Jose Quintana, Adam Eaton and Nate Jones are all technically under contract for less than four years as well, though their deals all contain club options for the 2020 season and, for Eaton and Jones, options for 2021.
It remains to be seen if the Sox are planning to embark on a full-scale rebuild, though as Olney notes, other teams are becoming and more convinced that Sale will be traded this winter. “And once you trade him, why would you stop there?” one evaluator asks Olney rhetorically. As MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes pointed out in his preview of the White Sox offseason, however, the franchise has previously tried to both rebuild and reload at the same time, and the Sox could try to do so again rather than start from scratch.
There’s obviously quite a bit of talent in the aforementioned list of players, so Chicago could look to just deal one or two of those names to free up some payroll space for further moves. (The arbitration-eligible likes of Lawrie or Garcia could also be non-tendered to save some more cash.) Building on what the anonymous evaluator told Olney, it would only be clear that the White Sox are embarking on a major roster shuffle if a building block piece like Sale, Quintana or Eaton is traded.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
I must say that all the talk of Sale makes me wonder if Dave Dombrowski values Sale more than Boston’s top five Prospects….i’m not so sure
Michael Macaulay-Birks
What do you guys think? A package of Bradley jr, Moncada and Devers? More?
HeyBroItsBrad
That could do it. Although they want a Pitcher like Owens either thrown in or in place of one of those three.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
I would pack a bag for him! Brian Johnson too
baumer16
I would say this is pretty close to being right.
Nick4747
I wonder more if bradley is involved if it’s as a trade to another team like the Cardinals or Washington teams that could include the high upside pitching prospects with more years of control and then just tack on moncada devers and Owens.
Something like this
Boston gets sale
Washington gets bradley
White Sox get giolito moncada devers owens and another pitching prospect from Washington.
peplo1214
Rizzo isn’t gonna give up Giolito for just Bradley
virginiascopist
I think this might work for the Nats and White Sox. Not so sure the Red Sox would go for it.
Nola Di Bari 67
Replace Moncada with Bienintendi and gotta have a high prospect pitcher. If the White Sox also offer Abreu (DH) with Sale, then it would be JBR, Bienintendi, Devers, Kopech/Owens, and either Swihart or Vasquez. Abreu would fill Ortiz’s vacancy, and would also be able to play some 1st.Thoughts?
Nick4747
It’s counterproductive for your roster to trade two outfielders there’s not that much depth as moncada isn’t ready to start the year off whose in the corners as mookie moves to center? And the inclusion of Washington was my reasoning for the high prospect pitcher. Thought they would prefer 6 years of giolito and another minor league pitcher from washington. Personally I wouldn’t want to give up kopech I think he might be used out of the pen late in the year. And to have that arm going forward.
But I think in either case I wouldn’t want to do the deal I just feel the deal for sale is going to kill whichever organizations farm team that does it. As a red sox fan I’d look to trade bradley for a younger pitcher like giolito straight up and let the last 5 guys fight it out for the final three rotation spots and just have a boat load of talent. But I think dd has sale on his mind and you know what that typically means.
Bruin1012
No way Red Sox trade both JBJ and Benintendi.
stymeedone
No way Washington gives up Giolito for just JBJ. Not to mention you actually have the Nats throwing in an additional pitching prospect. You might get that for Moncada.
Nick4747
Washington @ this point after spending the amount of $ on Strasburg and scherzer and only two guaranteed year’s left of Harper are going to balk @ the idea of giving up a guy whose done nothing in this league for a guy whose had a 5 plus war in cf a position they could really use with 4 years of control ?
SJKinMD
I can’t see Bosox giving up that much, even for Sale. Bradley and Devers something, but not Moncado or Kopech.
SJKinMD
I also can’t see them including Benintendi
Michael Macaulay-Birks
Moncada
JBJ
Devers
Owens
Moncada
For
Sale and Robertson
Michael Macaulay-Birks
Only one Moncada sorry
semperfi1371
Maybe.
But Sale and Shields are a package deal, gotta be, regardless who else the Sox throw in on any deal.
Bruin1012
The White Sox aren’t looking for salary relief so why throw in Shields who would greatly reduce the prospect return.
semperfi1371
If the Sox are serious, they’d eat a lot of the salary left over, do not forget, most of what shields is owed the padres must pay. Not the Sox.
Overbrook
Get Owens out of there…he’s in steep decline. I’d take a couple of A ball prospects with some ceiling over him.
tobysilverwood
JBJ is paying too high a price, IMO.
redsox for_life
Too muchh!!! Bradley jr,Devers,Marrero and Erod or Owen!! Not Moncada
Nick4747
The problem with your deal is Marrero has no value but a throw in. I know I’m in a minority but I’d prefer part with moncada than erod whose proven it @ the majors where as moncada has not ( I know he was called up way to soon) and I’d much rather part with a 21 year old position player than a 24 year old pitcher whose had moments were he flashes great potential. Not to mention the fact that even while losing all of those guys in a trade we still have a ton of young guys that can hit.
As far as the nationals fan saying no giolito it would hurt to do a deal to get a 5 war cf with 4 years of control.
And the Sox may not want to do the deal but I feel like that’s going to be the cost with everyone that will be interested Houston, Dodgers, Cubs, Yankees just to name a few.
redsox for_life
Is too soon to trade Moncada !!he needs more time in the minors!!Jackie Bradley jr takes like 2 or 3 years to be ready.
Nick4747
Agreed he was rushed they aren’t giving up on him we’re talking about to quote Nola “Chris freaking sale”. Not giving him up for a bag of peanuts
Nola Di Bari 67
Red Sox fan for life.You’re getting Chris freaking Sale,under ridiculously cheap cost control,and you’re crying about too much? Come on!! Bienintendi, JBR, Devers,per minimum.
Nick4747
Nola I believe your spot on about not enough. But think moncada is easier to stomach from a red sox point of view and probably offers similar if not greater value to the white Sox as well.
redsox for_life
If im DD!! I will not trade Moncada,Benetendi,Kopert and Groome!!
wsox05
Then Sale isn’t in discussion. Neither is Quintana, Archer or Gray.
stymeedone
Dombrowski never met a power arm he didn’t like. He builds his teams around starting pitching. Sale is everything he ever dreamed of, without the matching contract. Look at what he gave up for Kimbrel, and then tell me how he won’t give up more than that to get Sale.
Bruin1012
Once again the White Sox are not getting both Benintendi and Moncada not gonna happen.
Bruin1012
Meant to say JBJ but they aren’t trading Moncada and Benintendi in the same deal either.
chound
That’s why you’re not and never will be a GM.
SJKinMD
If Erod is included, I think only one other big name would also be included. So not both Bradley and Devers (or Moncado or Benintendi or Kopech).
Nick4747
Depends on Chicago’s view of erod vs that of a team like la who starts with Urias. I think we know who wins that. That’s why most people talk about our position prospects / players Ala bradley benintendi because they are rated at those levels. I don’t think a moncada erod would be enough dd would have done that in a heart brake at the deadline. The white Sox wanted bradley and another big guy (moncada, benintendi) and some which he balked @.
semperfi1371
Gotta add an “MLB” ready player or its a non-starter. I don’t think that’s asking too much, and I’m of the ilk that trading Sale, Quintana, Abreu or Eaton is a mistake. Even Frazier. Those five are a “core”, build up the rest of the position players around them (a catcher being number one), keep a few of the bullpen pieces, etc. and you have a contender, if they’re willing to spend the money.
The problem for the Sox: they have only a few good prospects, a shit front office and a cheap owner.
Personally, I am not comfortable with the current front office/ownership being in charge of a full rebuild.
Nick4747
Marine if the white Sox are rebuilding are they in need of mlb ready minor leaguers or near ready leaguers like a moncada? The white Sox want as much pure quality as they can get. If a team were to offer a jbj who has more value than a moncada on the open market yes but would it be more beneficial to a rebuilding team? (I.e more control, time when you expect to contend again) probably not. And if the white Sox were this close to contention why were they that bad this year? Outside of quintana sale and abreu the rest of the team was pretty terrible. Even Eaton might be more beneficial on another team depending on where you place his value. There’s only marginal improvements on the team outside of them.
semperfi1371
You make valid points. However, if sale, Quintana, Abreu are so good as to command such high value, with the addition of Eaton, Anderson, Rodon, plus …how could they not contend next season? Perhaps under a new manager this team as is, plus or minus a piece or two flourishes.
I don’t wanr to hear about Renteria as cub manager being firedby the cubs, the firing occurred only because Maddon became available.
Can the WS get a massive amount of prospects? Yes
Do the WS have an amazing core? Yes
The question is, can they do it?
I think yes, with the correct additions without as many subtractions.
We Sox fans are concerned that the current administration cannot be trusted to make proper trades or deals. I’d prefer we stick with the core on hand and add high value through a massive increase in payroll. Get the free agents we need, catcher and center fielder first, a good left handed bat at dh that can also fill a position, and bolster the bullpen.
Am I wrong? I don’t know, but I’d rather try than give up two of the best pitchers in the game.
semperfi1371
If they are rebuilding, from scratch, is a different story entirely.
A tale of two different scenarios.
Nick4747
If they’re talking about rebuilding then I don’t believe they think like you that they can contend or articles like this wouldn’t be written. They might be scared from the amount of talent that exists in the division alone with the Indians and the Tigers and having watched the Cubs do a tear down with half the talent that is on this ball club they probably think they can do it alot easier and possibly faster. I know there’s alot of hate for this front office but if they were that bad would they have had this core? Or if you cant trust them to do an overhaul how could you trust them to do a retooling were there might be more risk them being older and having such a shorter window? As an outsider I just don’t get the front office but they haven’t made the types of mistakes that completely destroyed your chance to compete or really been in contention for a while kinda just been there and making moves just to make them like the shields deal right after he got lit up. As far as manager I hear it alot as a sox fan with Farrel personally I devalue the title manager with guaranteed contracts you see the teams are more run by the players and managers are more like coaches helping guys get out of slumps and such.
Bruin1012
Well he isn’t going to trade their top 5 prospects for Sale let’s be real.
Nick4747
You mean like andrew miller and Cameron Maybin were?
kehoet83
Nice old English D in the background.
angelsinthetroutfield
I hope the White Sox embark on a full blown fire sale if for no other reason than it would make for a thoroughly entertaining off-season.
I assume their fans feel differently though.
kehoet83
Pun intended?
chesteraarthur
A lot of their fans want a rebuild because they’ve shown year in and year out that this core isn’t good enough
Larry Ellsworth
being a Wsox fan Myself I would guess 3/4 of us want a full rebuild. We are just scared it won’t be done correctly
nrd1138
This x100.. The issue I have is I do not trust KW at the top of the org, and my support for Hahn is wavering as not many of his trades have worked out well. The finally have a good Amateur scout in Hostetler, but the rest of their org? Out to lunch for the past 5 seasons (if not longer)
It is because of this I say only trade guys that you have guys in the minors that can step up, like Davidson for Frazier, Abreu would not go anywhere either, nor would Quintana. Give Renteria a chance here and don’t sandbag him by moving EVERYONE. I think it is also safe to say that about 3/4 of the fan base believe Robin was a big part of the direction this club has taken in 5 years, along with the mismanagement at the top of the org.. Good news: Robin is finally gone (should have been gone two seasons ago). Bad news: Kenny is still here (how he is boggles the mind, considering he is the one who wanted Robin to be manager in the first place)
Monty725
Given the Sox FO history I don’t blame you for being scared
ccremer2
You all act like rebuilds all work out in like 5-6 years. You need to have a solid GM who can pull off trades but more importantly scouts who can piece together prospects and the right farm system coaches to mature them. It takes more than just a GM.
EndinStealth
As long as Williams is in control I guarantee it won’t be done correctly.
semperfi1371
Exactly.
shoeless37
Totally agree it’s time for some new blood. Most fans can deal w/a bad team as long as there’s a plan in place ala Astros, Cubs & Royals. The Sox have proven over time they suck at drafting & developing position players, pitching on the other hand is a strength. Inject this club w/some young exciting players that learn on the field & develop together into a team.
nrd1138
Well I have hope in White Sox in they now have Hostetler (their new Amateur draft guy) doing their draft. Their first 4-5 picks in last years draft have looked really good, but the player development really stinks and they need to fix that (something that KW was supposedly doing for the past 5 seasons as VP of baseball ops)
kdhammond69
I’ve been a fan all my life and I would welcome a full change. My concern is who is running that change. KW is not my choice. I would like to see Hahn handle it. I would be more excited to go to a game and watch young guys play hard rather than the bunch they have boot the ball around and strand runners.
JKurk22
Agreed.. your Angels really should do the same too.
Nola Di Bari 67
No we don’t, Angels in the trout field. The vast majority of us W Sox fans are on board the full scale rebuild plan, but we don’t necessarily trust our lame ass Front Office people.
HeyBroItsBrad
Pieces like Frazier, Abreu, and Sale could get the prospects needed to start a Cubs/ Astros style rebuild.
Philliesfan4life
Didn’t the dodgers say they would trade Urias plus others for Sale at the deadline last year
mack22 2
Yes the did and I hope they do!
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Yes they said they were open to it.
stymeedone
I believe Cub rebuilds take 100 years and Astro rebuilds take 20-25? Not the route I’d want my team taking.
southi
As many people have said: If you are willing to deal Sale it makes the most sense to go ahead and do a full scale rebuild. It is obvious that what the White Sox have been attempting to do the last several seasons has not worked at all.
1738hotlinebling
Chris Sale to the Astros for maybe Preston Tucker, Moran, AJ Reed, and a couple of other prospects
As for Todd Frazier , maybe the Giants
gojira15
Gotta include pitching to get Sale. Makes no sense otherwise.
baumer16
The White Sox would easily turn this down.
chieftoto
Lol
theo2016
I’m just going to assume you meant prestons brother kyle but even still that’s so light.
1738hotlinebling
Well I said others , obviously you’d have to include more, probably add on there top two pitching prospects and that could get it done
Aaron Sapoznik
If the Astros are serious about trading for Chris Sale the conversation has to BEGIN with Alex Bregman. Starting points for other suitors expecting to contend in 2017 include:
Nationals…Lucas Giolito.
Dodgers…Julio Urias.
Cubs…Kyle Schwarber or Javier Baez.
Cardinals…Alex Reyes
Pirates…Tyler Glasnow
Red Sox…Yoan Moncada
If agreeable, the conversation continues with each team. If not, the White Sox simply hang up the phone and move on to the next club.
Bottom line: Sale does not have to be moved this offseason. Barring an injury, he figures to be at least as valuable at the summer non-waiver trade deadline and again next winter.
Who knows? With a new manager in place, an already solid MLB core (Sale, Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu, Adam Eaton), some productive recent top draft picks (Carlos Rodon, Tim Anderson) and more expected to contribute in 2017 (Carson Fulmer, Zack Burdi) the White Sox might actually have a chance to contend sooner rather than later with some shrewd additions this winter.
semperfi1371
This^ (outside of schwarber) I’d rather keep Abreu then have him, he’s useless outside of being strictly a DH. Sorry cub fans, he’s terrible in the OF, and a sub-par catcher at best, and yeah I’m unfair going with 72 total games played, but the writing is (was?) on the wall (literally). Keep him. I’d rather have a DH that can pick up a position if needed and do it capably, and schwarber is not that guy, “beast” or not.
In his defense, he should be in the American League, just not on a cheap team like the W.Sox, though he’d flourish on the BoSox or Yankees however. They have the money to blow and are willing to do so.
SuperCooper
My guess is Dom browsing balks at moving Moncada or Benintendi and Sale goes to Dodgers for a package of Bellinger, DeLeon and 2 others.
baumer16
I’m pretty sure the Whitesox would balk at that dodgers package unless one of the two others you mentioned was Urias
MaverickDodger
That might get the conversation started. But I do agree that it would take another high level pitcher. Dodgers might be able to work in Holmes. But I just assume any deal with Dodgers would include ditching Puig and eating payroll so to speak for a Robertson
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Holmes was traded in the Reddick/Hill trade. They white Soxs don’t need salary relief. Plus Robertson has Dodgers on his no trade list.
semperfi1371
Do not prevent them no urias=no deal
nrd1138
Ahh, here come all the homer fans of other clubs to offer scraps for a guy like Sale.
As incompetent as I think the Sox org is, I doubt they would fall for something absurd like what most one sided fans come up with in their heads.
Also, I think the Sox are petrified that they make the wrong deal with Sale. Remember, he is an Ace. If you trade him you, are begging your fan base to trust your org to make the right picks in the other teams org, or you are likely going to be looking for work if that Ace wins a WS on another club and you got the likes of Avisail Garcia for him.
As for someone asking why stop there? You do not BUT you also realize you need good veteran leadership (which one could argue the Sox have lacked for 5 years with Robin mismanaging this club as much as the org was).
You do not trade both Sale and Quintana, as tempting as that may be. Keep one for leadership and for consistency in performance, in which case my vote goes all day to Quintana staying as well as Abreu at least. Eaton is just too good in RF to trade IMO, considering they really do not have anyone to replace him in the minors, and why go out and spend money on a FA when you have this guy right there? Melky is probably not going to get you a lot in the offseason, so use him as LF and DH. see if Morneau will come back for DH, and at least have something in place for Renteria to work with.
I think people and the Sox org, have to realize that for every success story like the Cubs, you see A LOT of teams try to tear it down and rebuild only to see 10-20 years of mediocrity in the org (Yes it could get worse Sox Fans, think Pirates and Royals in the mid 90’s up until about 4-5 years ago)
rickcwik
Also, most organizations can’t do a teardown/rebuild and expect 30,000 to show up like the Cub fans did. Typically, fans don’t throw away their hard earned money on crappy products. But Cub fans did for years.
Sweet Home Chicago
It’s hard to drop that kind of money to watch your team lose. Not even Cub fans put up with it in 2013-2014.
Nola Di Bari 67
Cubs fans don’t go for the product, they go for the party,and Ricketts and Epstein knew it, and knew it afforded them 4 years of sucking.
mike127
Let’s not let facts get in the way of anything. During the first five years of Ricketts ownership, which include the beginning of the Theo era, attendance at Wrigley dropped over 526,000 people. That’s more than a half million!!! So why they sucked, people did stop coming—however, when you have a fan base which is the largest in the sport you just might be able to absorb that.
The difference here is that the Cubs ownership and front office was very transparent of what they were trying to do to achieve long term sustainability. It just has happened to work so far, to the nth degree.
The White Sox on the other hand have not shown, to their fan base, any direction at all and just now almost seem to be in a mode where they are basing some moves based on what the Cubs have done.
Fact is that both the Cubs and Sox, just two seasons ago, won 73 games each. Since then the Cubs have won 200 plus a World Series. The Sox are just over 150 wins during the same span.
nrd1138
Cubs also have had a great manager the past two seasons. The Sox, well they had the clown and still have the clown that brought him in (KW).
IMO having a good manager could be up to a 10 game difference opposed to a team with a lousy manager. Fairly certain that Ventura’s silly moves in and outside of games cost the Sox about 5-10 games at least.
gojira15
That’s only 105,000 a year. When you expect over 3 million, it’s not devestating. Besides, Nola is right: Wrigleyville is a place for the Bleacher Bums to get drunk and cheer every time the Cubs hit a damn pop-up. They kept coming to games because the on-field ineptness during the rebuilding years was no different than the on-field ineptness during any other era of Cubs baseball. And the beer didn’t change either.
Cachhubguy
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Sweet Home Chicago
My original point was even these legendary Cub fans stopped showing up during rebuilding, what will it look like with less loyal fans. Sox were already 26th last year.
Sweet Home Chicago
And Cubs dropped to middle of the pack for attendance in the rebuilding years. Taking you seriously, gojira, bleachers are some of the cheapest seats. It’s the suite and box level seats they had a hard time filling.
Monty725
Wouldn’t mind seeing the Jays make a play for Abreu. If not him Frazier would work at 1B and 2017 is his walk year so may come cheaper than Abreu. Here you go Sox fans. Stroman, Tellez, Alford and a good prospect arm for Abreu and Quintana. That deal along with whatever you get for Sale goes a long way toward a good rebuild. Frazier likely starts the season in Chicago and gets traded at the deadline.
thetruth 2
That’s not even enough for Quintana by himself.
Monty725
Quintana is not that much better than Stroman. And he comes with control. It shouldn’t take 3 prospects on top of Stroman for him.
nrd1138
I would like some of what you are smoking. Quintana is light years better than Stroman
chesteraarthur
Yes. He is.
harmony55
Jose Quintana and Marcus Stroman each remain under team control for four seasons, Quintana at $37..85 million (if options exercised) and Stroman for four arbitration years starting with a projected 2017 salary of $3.5 million.
Steamer projects a 2017 WAR of 4.0 for the 28-year-old Quintana in 32 starts and a 2017 WAR of 3.2 for the 26-year-old Stroman in 28 starts.
Quintana may well have more value but the discrepancy is not all that great.
Priggs89
You’re using Steamer projections to evaluate pitchers? That’s crazy. Quintana has 2 5+ win seasons, a 4 win season, and a 3.5 win season his last 4 years. Stroman’s best season so far has been a 2 win season, something that Quintana has never been below. When Stroman finally lives up to his potential/projections, then we can talk. But until then, Quintana will continue to be a much better pitcher.
Priggs89
And no, I’m not just using WAR to evaluate the two. Quintana is currently better in MANY regards. I just don’t feel the need to elaborate further when it’s really not even that close at this point.
rivera42
No, actually Quintana is that much better than Stroman.
nrd1138
Also setting aside that Quintana has had outrageously horrible run production behind him where Stroman has had one of the best offenses behind him.
24TheKid
So is there really any chance eaton gets traded unless it’s a way overpay. Because I would really like to see Seattle go after him but it doesn’t look Seattle and Chicago are a much.
Monty725
Would mind seeing the Sox and Jays hook up. Abreu and Quintana for Stroman, Tellez, Alford and one of our good young minor league arms. And will throw in Smoak as well. That haul along with what they get for Sale is pretty much the rebuild. Frazier likely goes at next years trade deadline since its his walk year and someone will overpay.
Monty725
* Wouldn’t
JT19
I don’t know enough about the Jays farm to give my two cents about the deal, but why would the Sox want Smoak? If the Jays insist Smoak is included, they’d also probably need to include more.
Monty725
I assume the Sox would need a 1B but that was more sarcastic than anything because Smoak sucks and he is any part of the Jays 1B plans for 2017, platoon or otherwise I will hand myself!!
Monty725
Jays would have to eat part of the contract likely…if the Sox even wanted him.
semperfi1371
They do not. Carry-on.
gojira15
I doubt the Sox trade two major pieces in one deal. They can get more by spreading the trades around to get the top talent from as many organizations as possible.
Overbrook
That’s just way light. Stroman has same years of control as Q. Alford and Tellez aren’t elite prospects. Alford and Tellez may get Abreu – maybe.
And certainly Q is >>>>>>>>> Stroman.
nrd1138
BWhahaha.. ohh wait, you are serious? Why would the Sox trade two great players for a bunch of middling players?
Quintana is LIGHT YEARS better than Stroman and has near Ace Stuff and mentality. Quintana has long suffered due to lack of offense whereas Stroman has had some of the best offensive talent behind him and still has done as well as he has.
NineChampionsips
If they’re going to rebuild then go all-in on the rebuild and start trading anyone and everyone that brings back prospects. Build up a top 5 farm system and then come up with a 3 yr plan to getting back to the playoffs.
nrd1138
If you are speaking about the Sox, you have to have a great org to have a 3 yr plan. I love how everyone thinks that because the Cubs did it, anyone can. The Cubs have the best baseball org in baseball right now with the best manager as well.
The Sox do not have the right guys in place in the org. Not with Williams still running the show with an out of touch owner that keeps him around. Williams is far more adapt at trading talent away than getting good talent in return, and after Hahn traded for Garcia instead of Iglesias I doubt his skill right now in talent evaluation. I hope the Sox can at least get a great deal and get players that are impactful for Sale but I’m not holding my breath.
chicubs19
The sox have the cubs didnt – young controllable top tier talent, thus they can rebuild in half the time.
Trading all or some combination of eaton, sale, Quintana and abreau should provide the pieces to make them the top farm in all of baseball. But for a rebuild to be success, you must dive much deeper than that. However, the multi-million dollar question is will their personnel in player development transform the prospects into impactful players at the major league level?
Monty725
All that young talent they get could make for a serious contender in the future or an awesome AAAA team. Buyer beware on prospects. Especially SP. Good examples are highly touted Giolotto and even Urias. They haven’t blown anyone away…yet.
nrd1138
No, BUT the Cubs DO have a top tier organization that the Sox clearly do not have. the Sox trading all of the talent they have for magic beans is not going to make the club better. The Sox really need to trade the owner away along with his VP lapdog in Kenny Williams before this team gets better any time soon. The Sox now have a good draft guy in place in Hostetler. It is a start, but a lot more needs to happen and I do not think it does until the owner gives up the team.
3Men&ABibee
Only surprise in this article is they didn’t mention trading away there ball boys or food vendors. Maybe trade away some janitors. The whole white Sox organization is like the angels farm system…hopeless.
3Men&ABibee
minus Sale
Nola Di Bari 67
Your gang blew a 3-1 lead in the WS, Triber4life.One stinking win away and 2 home games left to get it, and NO SOUP FOR YOU. Eventually the Tribe will go back to being an after thought before they win a stinking WS.
Philliesfan4life
If the tribe had a healthy Carrasco and Salazar in the rotation, it could of beena different outcome but the grind of the cubs won.
3Men&ABibee
butt hurt much cause ur Sox suck? we lost to a better team. I am proud. we were in the playoffs, something your joke of a team won’t sniff for a long time.
JT19
Outside of the trade chatter, when was the last time the White Sox were relevant? I mean I guess you would know a thing or two about “after thoughts” since the White Sox have been one for a while now.
Priggs89
In 2o05 when they won the World Series. Something that the Indians haven’t done in almost 70 years…
Lets not act like Cleveland has been anymore than an after thought the last decade too up until this year.
3Men&ABibee
no one even cares the white Sox are even in the league anymore. Chicago is cubs tiwn
3Men&ABibee
town
Priggs89
Chicago has always been Cubs town. Nothing has changed.
nrd1138
I’d rather see my team not make the playoffs instead of blowing a 3-1 lead in the WS. Cleveland has good young talent, but I also think the stars aligned a bit for them to make it as far as they did last season. With a healthy club who knows?
Aaron Sapoznik
The White Sox can both rebuild/retool this offseason AND reload at the same time with the proper trades. They simply need to make sure they receive quality and controllable players and/or high level prospects who are expected to make their big league debuts no later than the upcoming season.
The White Sox need to refrain from the “quick fix” approach they embarked on the past two offseasons and return to their philosophy of 2013 when they focused on acquiring longer term assets. That offseason they signed international free agent Jose Abreu and traded for Adam Eaton. FA signings and trades that only target these type players can potentially have them contending this season as well as upgrading their roster for the long term.
Philliesfan4life
The white sox are better off trading sale and quintana , But I wonder what the cubs will do? give arrieta an extension or let him walk
nrd1138
IMO You trade one, but not both. Sale can go, and if the Sox still need to keep tearing it down Quintana can go during the season, or next offseason. His performance is consistently good and he does not really have a delivery that could wreck his arm. Sox need an ‘ace’ in their rotation. Rodon, Shields, and Fulmer are not that guy. I get that rebuilding does not mean contending all the time, but at least be entertaining enough to get some fans into the stands. I have faith Renteria can do far more with this bunch than Ventura ever could.
Cachhubguy
As soon the Sox trade Sale they will get searching for an ace. Good luck with that.
Aaron Sapoznik
Carlos Rodon has ace potential with his stuff, actually more so than Jose Quintana.
James Shields used to be that guy in Tampa but might be OK as a #5 this season.
Carson Fulmer is an unknown quantity at this juncture. He is another pitcher who has top of the rotation stuff but needs to clean up his high-effort delivery which is resulting in command issues. Fulmer also has the potential to be a future closer with his competitiveness. In that role, he could simply focus on being a two-pitch pitcher which could also help his control. The White Sox will give Fulmer every opportunity to succeed as a starting pitcher first, especially with another collegiate #1 pick from last June, Zack Burdi, ready to battle for that role as soon as this season if they can find a taker for David Robertson.
nrd1138
Quintana is an Ace. His stats are on par with many of Sale’s and his WAR was crazy. The problem is run support and an inept manager. With one gone, and hopefully one being fixed he should be fine as the #1 in the rotation.
chesteraarthur
let him walk. Unless his demands have come down a bunch.
stymeedone
Angels need pitching. Chisox need a CF. Sale and Quintana for Trout.
semperfi1371
Are you on the peyote?!?! Keep trout on that deal.
Charlie Burns
Then the Angels lose their only good consistent bat. The only reasons the Angels should trade Trout is if they get a massive haul of prospects that will help them compete in a few years not guys that will only be around for a little bit while Trout wins championships with someone else.
Priggs89
Now that would be quite the interesting blockbuster.
chound
That said, they should take offers on Trout…
stymeedone
Trout would never win a WS with the White Sox (lol). But think of how much stronger the rotation for the Angels would be. Also with two low priced starters, the savings could be used to supplement the offense. It would give them some room beneath the luxury tax threshold.
baumer16
No they can’t contend this season if they trade Quintana, Sale and Abreu among others. . They haven’t been able to make the playoffs with two of the best pitchers in baseball and now you get rid of them and think you can make it? Nope
Philliesfan4life
Sale can bring back kings ransom but it won’t bring back another chris sale in return, just like if the angels traded trout, there won’t be a mike trout in the deal coming back
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Yeah that’s quite obvious but understand how they obtained Quintana. How did they obtain Eaton? They can trade Sale but need to be smart. The difference between Sale and Trout is Sale is a top flight pitcher probably in the 2-10 range but Trout is a once in a generational type player. Does anyone think Sale is going to stay in Chicago his whole career? Will they pay him in three years the way he’s going to be expected to be payed? So sure hold onto Sale until you get exactly what you want. But this off season in this market might get the best overall return for a multitude of reasons. Sales not going to get scraps and obviously you won’t get Sale so you almost have to start with Urias, or an identifiable position player like Benitendi. Guys with great character and have already somewhat proven themselves in this league. You also better assure yourself a top flight draft pick and better hit on a majority of them.
nrd1138
He will IF the scouting dept does their job right. That is the worry though, the Sox fans have little faith that the org can pull off an awesome deal.
nrd1138
They got Quintana via FA with a minor league contract, not a trade. Eaton is great in RF, but a train wreck in CF. I think with any Sale trade they MUST get a top flight pitching prospect as well as a top flight position player, and still then a few minor leaguers with high ceilings. The Challenge will be if the Sox org is competent enough to pull off such a trade.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Oh I know Q was obtained as FA, I was just presenting examples of both trade and signings. In theory trading what they have should allow them to fill their minor league system and MLB roster with legitimate building blocks. Then they can worry about veteran presence by signing stop gap well respected vets.
Priggs89
While I’d much rather see Eaton in RF going forward, I think calling him a train wreck in CF is a gigantic stretch. He had one disastrous season in 2015 when the entire team was a train wreck. The year before that (his first year with the Sox), he was solid in CF. 2015 looks more like a weird outlier season on a crappy team than something to trust going forward. Like I said at the start though, I’d MUCH rather keep him in RF based on what he showed last season.
nrd1138
I dunno, Eaton could not figure out where the wall was when he plays in CF.
Aaron Sapoznik
Adam Eaton was a poor center fielder in 2o15 but was a Gold glove finalist at the position in 2014. He also played fine out there last season when the White Sox needed him some after Austin Jackson was disabled.
It’s too early to write off Eaton in CF. Who expected him to be an impacting defensive RF before last season? The problem with ‘Spanky” is that his bat profiles better in CF than as a corner outfielder. The White Sox don’t currently have sufficient power output at the other two OF spots and their system won’t be providing help anytime soon.
Fact is, history has proven that the White Sox need to hit 200+ HR’s in order to reach the postseason since moving into their new park in 1991. That’s likely not going to happen unless they can acquire two power bats to complement Eaton in the OF.
Aaron Sapoznik
That was early on, Eaton’s first year as the White Sox center fielder in 2014. He had a “gung-ho” style as a player which reflected his personality. He still managed to be named a Gold Glove finalist that season.
At the team’s request, he became more cautious in 2015 in order to avoid inuring himself, which could have impacted his poor overall defense in CF. He moved to RF in 2016 and once again emerged as a Gold Glove finalist. He was also needed some in CF after Austin Jackson was lost for the season due to injury. Eaton played a decent CF on those occasions.
Btw-As a right-fielder, Eaton would have to deal with two walls rather than just the one behind him. I think his wall crashing days are behind him, regardless of where he plays.
Bruin1012
Which is why the the White Sox insisted on JBJ at last years trade deadline but the Red Sox were not willing to trade him because he was their starting center fielder in a playoff chase. It’s obvious that the White Sox upper management like JBJ a lot and they also like Moncada my guess if it happens with Boston is JBJ, Moncada,Erod. JBJ has a tremendous amount of value.
One Fan
So what are you gonna do Baumer keep them and again not make the playoffs? You need to have some vision and not worry about the playoffs next year but focus on building something
baumer16
No I definitely think they should sell but the poster I was responding too thought they could get rid of the Sale and Quintana and still compete for a playoff spot which is not accurate. Also I believe you either sell or buy with the Whitesox. Just trading one of them or partial teardown will not work.
semperfi1371
This has to be an all in or not off season. They have a core (Sale, Quintana, Rodon, Eaton, Anderson to name a few) IF that can be built upon through good FA acquisition and trade, the White Sox are winning. If not, they lose. Again.
Bank on it. This all is hypothetical and not reality.
The Sox require at minimum:
What will other team’s give up?
Are the WSox that bad?
Etc.
nrd1138
I think the major issue for the past 5 seasons was at manager. Robin was horrible and easily cost the Sox 5-10 games a season with his horrible decision making. The Sox also had talent deficits but really Robin did not help. Still, The Sox need to rebuild their depth and you do that with the minor league system as well as good FA signings, but the problem with the Sox really is the org, namely Williams.
bravesfan1998
Whitesox just need to keep sale
One Fan
White Sox need to trade Sale
semperfi1371
Not for anything less than firstborn. Make it religious, it’s all they understand.
driftcat28 2
Wouldn’t mind the Yanks making a play for Shields. After his horrid season he could be a buy low option to fill a rotation spot. I have no idea what kind of prospects the White Sox would want for him though. Couldn’t imagine it be any of the top guys seeing as Shields had an ERA near 6. Maybe the Yanks take on his salary or something.
eze01
Yankees could literally just take him
Priggs89
He’s all yours. He’d be an absolute disaster pitching in the AL East at Yankee Stadium
semperfi1371
Do not prevent them
wsox05
Please just take him and throw the Yanks worst prospect at the White Sox.
Charlie Burns
How about they be nice and at least throw in a couple of signed A-Rod and Texiera balls?
bryce1344
White Sox would want a good young current mlb position player with at least 4 years of control, a mlb ready or near ready high upside starting pitcher, one highly ranked prospect and another good prospect for Sale. From Boston that would be Bradley, ERod, Devers and Swihart.. Houston- Bergman, Tucker, Paulino and Cameron. Braves- Inciarte, Albies, Wisler and Newcomb. Dodgers- Pederson, Bellinger, Deleon and Barnes. Nats: Turner,Ross,Fedde and Ward. Those are the only teams that can offer the right package of players while still contending and not totally empty their farm system. I left out the Cubs due to I can’t see the White Sox dealing him to cross town rivals and the Yankees I think want to continue to build up their farm while waiting for Harper and Machado to hit free agency.
wsox05
The White Sox have no need for JBJ if they are rebuilding. Any deal starts with either Benintendi or Moncada. I assume it’s Benintendi. Then you move to ERod, then you move to Kopech then if I’m the White Sox I tell them I want Devers or multiple players.
semperfi1371
Exactly, Bryce. Thanks
rivera42
JBJ, ERod, Devers, and Swihart does not get you Sale. I’m guessing that one of Moncada/Benintendi must be included in any deal for Sale.
chound
Everything Bryce said is incredibly realistic. But honestly, I really think the Nats should stay out of this conversation. They shouldn’t take anything of value (Turner)off of that roster this year. So sign Hill and take your chances. As for the rest, very reasonable.
tigers1968
Quintana to the Red Sox what would it take ? ERod and Bradley Jr. That seems fair.
Quintana to any other team would be difficult unless they could come up with a pretty decent pitcher. Strohman is possible but not sure if the Jays top prospect is good enough.
They do not have a Bradley Jr. talent.
chesteraarthur
No. Q is a top 10 pitcher with 4 years of cheap control. He is going to be v. expensive
wsox05
Again, same goes for Q. It’s going to take Devers, Kopech, ERod and another good prospect. If not Benintendi, ERod and more.
wsox05
If not more than this.
ChiSoxCity
Never mind saving cash for other signings, that ship had “SALED.” The Sox need to sell off their assets for elite prospects to restock their farm system.
The Yankees assembled the #2 rated farm system in baseball by trading a couple of relievers. The Sox can, and should do better than that with the assets they have to trade.
semperfi1371
The Yankees have traded off most of their worthwhile prospects. And their closer. For nothing. Salary dump Maybe.
wsox05
The Yankees have a bunch of prospects, what are you talking about?
chound
Bit odd to say, the Yankees did very well for themselves during this last trade deadline.
shoeless37
Here’s some fun armchair GM trades for Sale by team:
Braves: Albies, Newcomb, Maintan & Weigel
***Swanson’s not happening so let’s just throw that out there. So you get your future 2b combo w/Anderson. Newcomb is close to breaking thru to MLB rotation & has some great potential. The key in this deal is Maintan, 5 tool player at a young age, leave him in the minors & let him develop. Weigel is a potential end of the rotation starter or long reliever.
Dodgers: Urias, Bellinger, Calhoun & Barnes
***Urias slots into starting rotation, Bells get can play LF or 1b, let him do his things in the minors until he forces his wAy onto the MLB roster. Calhoun is the ultimate Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, dude flat out rakes & is a butcher in the field, he makes Schwaber look like a gold glover. Barnes is a stopgap catching option until Collins proves he can be an everyday Catcher. Dodgers have some other intangible projects to swap if this doesn’t hit close.
Nationals: Giolito, Robles, Stevenson & Glover
***Sox get a SP to slot into the rotation. You get a potential 5 tool OF for the future. Stevenson continues to hit & play great df & Glover is another power arm you can develop into a SP or back of the bullpen.
Red Sox: JBJ, Moncada or Devers, Kopech & Swirhart
***I don’t see DD trading Benintendi (Nintendo) so that’s why JBJ goes. If I’m Hahn I’m asking for both Moncada & Devers & build around that w/Swirhart & a lower level prospect.
Yankees: Frasier, Mateo, Acevedo & Adams
***Sox get their starting LF of the future in Frasier, Mateo can eventually slot into 2b. You get two you power pitchers to build into the a Rotation or Relief. This might not be enough, some will suggest you add Torres instead of Mateo & Judge for Frasier. Either way it’s interesting prospects to package.
Again, this is done for fun & probably a stretch or too light in some of your eyes (depending what team you cheer for). I left the Pirates, Stros, Rangers & Cubs off this list. Pirates won’t pony up & I think their in a bit of a identity crisis. Astros have made some interesting trades & FA signings + I’m not sure they meet the needs of the Sox. Rangers where a perfect fit during the trade deadline, but they traded some of the assets + they won’t trade any of their MLB talent. The shine is rubbing off of Profar & Casey at the Bat Gallo. Well that leaves the crosstown WS champs, need I say more? Theo hang ups when Hahn asks for Schwarbimo & Baez. As many of you’ve mentioned the Sox need to blow it up & rebuild. My concern (as many) is KW will have his say in this & that scares the SH!T out of me & all Sox fan. As he once told Frank Thomas “you better stay out of White Sox Business” take a piece of your own advice. Thanks for 2005 now go fly a kite. Let Hahn build his team, let’s see what he can do. Two things will help his cause: 1. Be transparent w/the players & fans. Fans will be more forgiving if your honest (Royals, Astros & Cubs as examples) w/them + I’d rather watch young kids learn & grow together as a team. Can’t stand the Cubs, but I respect their FO & players, their a young fun group to watch play the game. 2. Read my earlier comment, keep KW in Arizona on the golf course & as far away from Hahn & his crew. Hopefully after a couple years the Sox can develop their young talent & compete for a playoff spot year in year out…one can dream.
Cheers