Dec 15: Both the White Sox and Indians have announced the deal (Twitter links).
Dec 14: The White Sox have reportedly struck a deal with the Indians to acquire first baseman Yonder Alonso. The match first arose on the WatchStadium Twitter account, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also now reporting an agreement on Twitter. Outfielder Alex Call will go to Cleveland in return, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter links), with the Chicago org taking over all of Alonso’s remaining contract obligations.
Needless to say, the gears are turning when it comes to first base/DH sluggers, with the Indians, Mariners, Rays, and now the White Sox at the center of the action. Alonso’s spot on the Cleveland roster came into question with the club’s recent 3-team deal, which brought Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers to the organization.
The addition of Alonso also dovetails with some of the Chicago club’s other major pursuits. Certainly, adding a veteran hitter on a short-term deal goes along with the recent moves to pick up Ivan Nova and Alex Colome. Those additions help the near-term outlook and assist with the recruiting of bigger free-agent fish. Alonso, particularly, is of note, as he’s the brother in law of reputed White Sox target Manny Machado.
Alonso, 31, signed with the Indians last winter on a two-year pact that includes a club option. He’ll play on a $8MM salary in 2019, with a $9MM vesting/club option (or $1MM buyout) thereafter. Notably, that option vests if Alonso compiles 1,100 plate appearances over the two guaranteed seasons of the contract; after reaching 574 last year, he’s now 526 shy of locking in more money for 2021.
The first (and now only) season Alonso spent in Cleveland did not go quite as hoped. He had broken out in 2017 with a monster .266/.365/.501 slash and 28 home runs — quite a power burst for a player who had never before finished a MLB campaign with double-digit longballs. Though he put the ball over the fence 23 times in 2018, Alonso was unable to maintain the on-base percentage that had previously been his calling card as a hitter.
The White Sox will gamble that Alonso can return to something more like his 2017 output. To do so, he’ll need to reverse slides in his walk rate (13.1% to 8.9%) and isolated power (.235 to .171). Alonso put the ball in the air nearly as much as he had in his ’17 effort, but nearly doubled his number of infield flies (8.3% to 14.5%) and made an increasing amount of soft contact (13.2% to 19.8%).
Whether Alonso can make the necessary adjustments remains to be seen. It stands to reason that he’ll appear most frequently against right-handed pitching, as he carries yawning platoon splits. Presumably, the Sox will allow Alonso to share time at first base with Jose Abreu, who’ll be in the lineup every day regardless. It’d make sense to utilize another right-handed hitter when a lefty is on the bump.
For the Indians, this is all about tweaking the financials and roster to match up with other demands. By the reckoning of MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince (Twitter link), the Cleveland organization has pared back its 2019 payroll by something like $18MM with its recent slate of moves (particularly the above-noted deal, in which Edwin Encarncion was dealt away, and the decision to part with catcher Yan Gomes). There are still needs to be met on the roster, but now there’s additional flexibility to work with. Plus, as Castrovince notes, the Indians have now greatly reduced the pressures that had led them to consider dealing a top pitcher. While that possibility cannot be ruled out, perhaps the Indians will not be forced into settling for less than a compelling return.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Precursor to Machado (Alonso’s brother-in-law) to White Sox?
Precursor to white sox potentially dealing Abreu.
Jose Abreu, Avisail Garcia, Wellington Castillo, and Dane Dunning for Sonny Gray, Gary Sanchez, and Giancarlo Stanton.
Not bad for the White Sox. Maybe the Yankees go for it too if it means signing Bryce Harper as a result although I might still prefer his high OPS left-handed bat on the South Side.
Yonder Alonso also bats left-handed which might make him a nice complimentary piece to pair with Abreu at 1B and DH. The White Sox could also simply be stockpiling more Cubans on the team
Stanton has no trade. He might agree to Dodgers. Not Sox
Garcia was non tendered.
Dealing Avi 2 weeks after non-tendering him would be quite a feat.
Giancarlo Stanton would waive his no-trade in a heartbeat to become a big fish on the South Side of Chicago instead of getting filleted by Yankee fans in the Bronx. Chicago is a big market, it’s not St. Louis.
I legit registered account just to say that this is my favorite MLBTR comment of all time.
No way Stanton agrees to the Sox. Question about the article. Since when is one down year a slide? I’m not a fan of Alonso but a one season comparison?
lol naw I’m a huge White Sox fan. We don’t even have Garcia anymore, Castillo is old and uses steroids so I don’t care about him because we have Zavala and Collins in our farm system soon to be promoted and I don’t care about Abreu. We need Dane Dunning because we are young and I could see him as a core piece for our future pitching staff. I would not want Sanchez, Gray or Stanton at all. They are all older and with expensive contracts. Would not make any sense for the Sox to make that trade at all. I don’t like it.
Applause.
Anything is possible in the world of armchair GM-ing…
I guarantee that the Cardinals get another ring before any of those cities do, hater!
A real yankees fan would say Abreu, Castillo, and Kopech for Clint Fraizer, Sonny Gray and Sanchez
Danny boy 22: A huge White Sox fan should know that Seby Zavala and Zack Collins can hit some but possess subpar defensive skills. Is that your preference out of a backstop, one that will be catching a future staff loaded with power arms that have some command issues attached to them?
Wellington Castillo is not old. He was signed a year ago at age 30 to a very reasonable 2 year FA contract with an additional option year to help a young pitching staff and also assist in the development of Zavala and Collins. He came at the recommendation of manager Rick Renteria, his former skipper with the Cubs in 2014. I also don’t believe it a total coincidence that he was signed at a time when the club was considering acquiring Manny Machado in a trade. Now they can utilize his BFF in helping recruit Machado as a FA.
Btw-Castillo was suspended for EPO which is not an anabolic steroid. It is a naturally produced hormone that can be enhanced synthetically to aid with anemia and endurance. It is a banned PED, one that was a popular doping drug among long distance cyclists for it’s endurance qualities so one can easily see why an MLB catcher might want to also benefit from it. Castillo did not claim his usage was an accident like many others athletes. He lived up to his mistake, apologized to the organization, his teammates and the fans and paid for his sins by forfeiting 80 games worth of salary.
Only Giancarlo Stanton comes with an “expensive” contract, Sonny Gray just turned 29 and is projected to earn about $9MM in his final arbitration season. That would be an overpay based on his recent performance but a bargain if he regained his prior ace status with the Oakland A’s. Gary Sanchez is 26 and in his final pre-arb season in 2019. He figures to earn around the MLB minimum which is the ultimate bargain should he return to the production of his debut 2016 and 2017 seasons where he finished second in the ROY voting, earned SS and AS honors and even garnered some MVP votes.
Other than all that, I agree with your comment!
Garcia is not even on the team anymore.
Abreu to Rockies has to finally be on deck after years of speculation.
the hang up on that is brendan rodgers and colton welker are (rightfully) off the table
As a Sox fan I believe manny and Harper are using WSox as leverage and both want other teams, dodgers and yanks. Sgt hulka is their lefty dh already so I’m guessing bye bye abreu?
At least his first name doesn’t start with “Adam”!
There is not a White Sox fan alive who wouldn’t swap out “Adam” Eaton for “Adam” Engel even with the former being an “Adam” from the Washington Nationals thanks to our beloved.
No
Hope they like still missing the playoffs in 2019 then losing Abreu for nothing then.
White Sox aren’t getting any major free agents.
100 L team. Don’t see them overpaying to cover for it.
Are you serious? Are you the real xabial or one of the clones that makes fun of him. Cause if you are real now I know why people hate you
I said this before. Think the overpayment necessary for Machado or Harper will be too much to make up for wanting to go to a 100L team. Theyre on the uprise but seems unlikely.
You can’t make a logical argument without insulting others?
@ Sims
Get a life child!
They are in a horrible division, literally anything can happen. Cleveland is not a powerhouse. And it really shows that they are trading within their division. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sox won the division with 85 wins.
Not to mention they can get Manny, Harper and two very good pitchers and be well under most teams budgets
Watch that tone there mister, because that’s ey’s hotdog vendor.
Maybe the fact that the Sox have damn near $70 million to spend would make the pill of paying $35 mil a year easier for the Sox to swallow. See I just made a logical argument, and you’re going to follow up that one of the two HAVE to go to the Yankees because your knees are chapped from having with Cashman. Go Yankees.
Don’t know why you are getting defensive. He’s made a valid point. Generally teams coming off losing, especially 100 loss, seasons have to pay more salary to big players. So yes they can get those players. But will have to fork out more than, say, the Yankees would pay. And xabial is probably correct in saying the white Sox wouldn’t want to pay the overs to get those players
The Cubs lost no less than 87 games each of the five previous seasons before signing John Lester. They lost 89 right before signing him.
oh hell I would. any time novas the ace of a staff. this years going to give me heartburn
The same thing was said when the D-backs signed Zack Greinke a couple years ago and look what they became they went to the playoffs last year and were a September collapse away from going this year as well before they decided to sell in a way
I was about to bring that up as well
Are. You. Out. Of. Your. Mind? I know pot is legal now but simschifan you must be really hitting it hard if first of all you think Cleveland won’t finish at least 10 games in front of the White Sox and second of all if you think they’ll be able to convince manny, Bryce and good pitchers to all sign there??????
Did I personally attack you? Do you have something meaningful to add?
My comment is toward the bandwagon fan of every team btw
He doesnt like when people get attacked for posting their opinions. Yu personally attacked me first. See how that feels? Hypocrite
Heard recent Teixeira interview, he said when he was FA, it would have took 70M overpay to play for any 100L team like White Sox and can’t see ponying up dough for Manny / Bryce to cover for being that bad.
As we often say around here “F**k Mark Teixeira”.
None of these White Sox young studs have exactly panned out. Like the Padres and a few other teams they’re in a perpetual rebuild.
Pot is not legal in Chicago yet unfortunately. Money talks bro
Xabial I have stuck up for you countless times for these idiots making accounts pretending to be you. I do apologize for attacking you albeit not personally really, but i’ll concede. The Sox gave money to spend and way more talent than the Indians will have next year. I know they are the step child of Chicago and of course everyone hates Chicago so by default they are the worst team in baseball, but to say they don’t have a chance next year is ridiculous. I’m not saying they are going to the World Series but that division is up in the air. Especially if Cleveland wants Kluber or Bauer off the books.
Seeing as all but 2-3 are still in the minors (and the 2-3 were basically rookies last year), I think you’re a little premature with the criticism.
@WestCoastSoxFan
Teix is a great speaker. Like feel spoiled to listen to him speak man. well-deserved contract extension with ESPN and hate ESPN
Sucks being hurt all likely killed getting into HOF, best defensive 1B of his generation… 400HR 400 Doubles. 1 season from 2,000 hits
So glad turned down your Sox play for team of fave players he idiolized.. hopefully history repeats itself. Btw Teix more well-spoken than any your ex-Red Sox players in the broadcast
@simchifan Np!
No one knows where they sign. Money talks and WSox have a need. I wouldnt mind being wrong with Machado. Obviously, hope I’m not wrong w/ Bryce. You’re a long-time user here, which is why was surprising but this is a White Sox thread and I was jumping into the fire.
Noooo way I ever categorize you with trolls who made accs last month. Just sucks u kinda temporary added fuel to the fire lol
It’s cool x. I get heated about baseball but I see where I went wrong. It’s Friday and I’ve enjoyed some drinks tonight, been along week. I’m a Cub fan but I also watch the Sox almost every time I can and half my family are Sox fans. It’s weird. Keep posting as much as you want cause you actually add to the conversation. Cheers bud
Just like Arod ending up with the Yankees, it was a blessing in disguise when the same happened with Teixeira. The Red Sox have won 4 titles since Arod went to the Yankees. The Yankees have won 1. Teixeira also faded badly and made the last few years of that contract look awful. No regrets. I’m happy with the way it worked out.
Edit: it was even worse than I remembered when I looked up Teixiera’s stats. He had 3 really good years and then spent the next 5 years being injured or mostly unproductive. He played with 4 MLB teams in his career and put up his WORST numbers with the Yankees. That’s hard to do in that ballpark. But at least he’s a great speaker.
Probably just couldn’t handle the pressure of playing for the Yankees so his body broke down.
@Priggs89
His undoing was partially torn tendon sheath suffered when he played at the WBC.
That was the worst injury endured as Yankee, and in my unsubstantiated opinion, Teix was never the same.
We still love Teix though. Obviously, he tried non-surgery and failed. Respect wrist injuries.. They had more to do with Teix breaking down than not being able to handle “pressure of NY”
Cleveland had major weaknesses last year and have gotten even worse this off season. EE to Santana is a net negative. Losing Chisenhall from an outfield that was already bad. Lost the back end of their bullpen. With those losses, it’s not hard to see even the south siders challenge the wahoos. I disagree with most though in that I don’t think either Manny or Harper are worth the money people are talking about giving them and I don’t think either will vault the ChiSox into contention.
But then not be able to add to it in years three forward when they have to also pay in house maturing talent. Sign one and use other funds for pitching if not today, next year. Fan base will still be happy and the plan might work to have a chance in the playoffs. 85 win team gets destroyed in the first round against Boston, New York or Houston in 19. Their real window could begin in 20.
They lost Brantley’s too. I think every central team has a chance if they make some smart moves this offseasons. Indians are favored, but add a couple solid players to anyone else and itll be close.
Indians have 5 solid right handed starters… get a couple left handed hitters in that division to challenge them.
Hmm, I don’t get an @ because you have no argument and are wrong, again. Have fun in detention today kid.
they do not have a chance this year. they have legitimate ace or MVP player yet. they just lost 100 games. they may win 70-75 games this year and that is if they do sign Manny or Harper.
One player doesn’t make that much of a difference on a team. Harper or Machado would certainly help, but would probably only add a few wins to the bottom line. They would be more useful in future years when the young guys were ready to make a big impact. And, by then, both would have opt-outs anyway.
It’s Xabial. The hell you expect?
OK xabial you are on. I wager that the White Sox will sign at least one of Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. The winner gets to keep posting on this site, the loser stays away forever. A win-win for one of us and all the other commenters here!
Hilarious. Xabial always makes comments fun to read.
Only if Machado buys into the vision that White Sox FO will be selling-a team with lots of good young players that will be challenging for postseason positions.
People seem to think every move this offseason has some kind of Harper/Machado influence.
As Freud said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Means they want Manny bad. Yonder is Mannys Brother in Law.
Some people don’t like their brother in laws….
+1
Not to worry, Manny never “hustled” him either!
* “brothers in law”
Brodie Van Wagenen’s wife’s step-father was Neil Armstrong.
Clayton Kershaw is the great-nephew of Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered Pluto.
Yes, nepotism doesn’t always prevail! Take me for example. I’m Lucifer’s right hand man. I’m tall and blue and have some basketball skills but still got rejected by Duke and Depaul. They will pay some day!
More surprised a trade was made and Jerry wasn’t involved
Who says he didn’t try.
Dipoto could be on death row and his last night would be spent making a trade.
So true!
Why? They have Abreu. Swap the two between 1B and DH?
Abreu is playing on a 1 year deal. White Sox probably wont resign extend him could QO him. It trading him now makes a lot of sense given he probably wont be around to see the rebuild come to pass.
abreu’s defence is poor at times. I could see the sox switching abreau to dh or another’s position.
English please
“at times”?
lol
He won the Bronze Glove Award at 1B.
His bat however, is solid gold.
Like a debtors prison, no such thing as a bronze glove.
Cleveland has serious faith in Bauers at first like 60% of the time then
Santana will play first most of the time. Bauers will backup and play some outfield and possibly some DH
Bauers is an excellent 1B.
Santana is not.
Based on what? Santana has been a positive UZR defender at 1B since 2015.
They’ve done studies you know… 60% of the time it works every time.
Sweet Odin’s Raven !!
Sweet Odin’s Raven !!!
The look of the Whitesox is nothing like when they won in 2005. They don’t have gritty championship type guys and they lack a leader like Guillen. This rebuild will likely end in just a playoff appearance
Thanks for the input!
You salty chi fan. Accept the reality in my post. You’ll see
Except?
You mean “accept”?!
That’s what I typed can you read?
Splooge initially used “Except”
Edited his post after I made fun of it.
Nope. Fake news. You just don’t like the reality in my post
Exactly. They need someome like you to get out there and show em.how its done.
No they need to look at the makeup of that 05 team and pretty much every championship winner since then. It’s simple stuff
Home grown talent supplemented with key free agents?
Specific types. The guys they have and are looking for don’t fit that makeup
Cute screen name. I’m guessing you looked in your hand after sex and came up with the name.
You clearly don’t get the play on words and have no sense of humor plus my joke is ten times better than yours. Any more teams you root for? How about the whole east?
MetsYankeesRedSoxRays
Wait, Ebenezer SCROOGE, right?
Ebenezer was dreaming of Chris Sale, Carlos Rodon, and Dylan Cease when he did that.
Unless they acquire Machado or Harper
Two questions:
1) What you smoking?
2) Can you get me some?
Me too
I think it can be safely said that not many thought the Sox would win it all in 2005, and this is from a long time Sox fan. Unless you thought that Podsednik to the Sox for Lee was the last trade needed to go to the WS.
The Sox will be fine, and you also assume that this team, as it is, will not acquire such ‘ championship type’ guys as there is still more to come and then you have the whole trading deadline during the season
It’s a precursor to an Abreu trade.
Rays have a deep system.
Manny? only reason i could see to pick up yet another slow footed, station to station wiff king.
Yes! WS have acquired a pile of hot garbage!
Manny is his brother in law and Grandal is Alonso’s boy. They played at The University of Miami together, with the Reds and with the Padres. Could see that all coming together.
They even took PEDS together ! Best friends forever !
LOL! Let’s pray they didn’t share needles…
Why is Cleveland trading a decent player to a rival in their division that has the money and talent on the way to contend with them. This is Cleveland doing Cleveland things.
Decent? He sucked…did absolutely nothing for tribe
To get rid of a salary of a guy that can’t hit LH pitching when they have two 1B’s?
Good move by the Indians FO. They’re cleaning up a flawed roster and preparing for future moves.
Just too bad they flawed it in the first place. Too many dumb free agent signings, and trades that cost them good prospects for players that aren’t even with the team anymore.
Now they just have to con another team into taking Kipnis in a Kluber or Bauer trade. That would diminish the return for sure, but Kip is a very expensive anchor at this point.
With Abreu and Palka, I don’t understand this one.
Palka isn’t very good…
True.
Alonso isn’t either.
Fair. He did have a bomb 2017 though, and if it gets them closer to signing Machado, it’s worth the risk.
Daniel Palka can (sort of) play a corner OF spot along with 1B and DH. He might also be needed in LF to begin the season if Eloy Jimenez is held back due to service time issues.
No
So yonders paycheck of the books. Keeping Klluber and Bauer now?
Rosenthal was reporting yesterday on MLB Network Machado’s agent pitching this scenario to prospective teams.
I think the White Sox are about to sign Machado.
lol
Guy signs a 10-year contract because his brother-in-law will be with the team for a year when his contract expires?
Might it be possible that aforementioned agent is…..
wait for it……
trying to drive up the price?
Well, Rosenthal reported that Machado wanted it yesterday. Also of note – the White Sox employee Wellington Castillo, who is also Machado’s best friend in baseball.
I heard Albert Almora was Machado’s BFF? Maybe they’re all BFF’s. I can only wish I had one.
I understand Jonathan Schoop is Machado’s best friend in baseball.
Pedroia and Yelich are probably out of the Machado BFF club
And Aguilar
Why do so many talking heads think the white Sox with get Machado or Harper. That’s just nonsense talk. They dont have the payroll for either of them. Why would they go through 2 guaranteed losing seasons before possibly being a 90+ win team.
What? White Sox habe enough room to sign both Harper and machado. White Sox have less than 70 mill committed. Doesnt mean they should but they can.
They’ve got practically nothing committed after 2019 plus a TV deal coming. Do your research before talking nonsense.
It’s “will get”…
Sox have the money.
They will win their division in 2019 without Kopech.
“They will win their division in 2019 without Kopech.”
Wow!
What AAA league were they moved to?
They might be a .500 team. They wont win the AL central til maybe 2021. That’s with or without Harper and Machado.
I understand that clearly, you love to hate on the Sox and bleed cubbie blue but you could at least pay attention to what the Sox are/have been doing before you comment.
Dude, I’m a die hard Cub fan I’m assuming like yourself, but I also like the Sox not as much though. But I will say you are way off. They have plenty of money from that old bag of an owner who will gladly give every cent to see another championship before he croaks. And didn’t the cubs just suck bad before signing a certain pitcher for way more than he deserved and end up with a ring 2 years later?
Perhaps for the same reasons the Cubs signed FA Jon Lester coming off of 101, 96 and 89 loss seasons four off-season’s ago. Theo & Co. felt their team was on the verge on becoming a contender and felt the time and opportunity was right. No different for Rick & Co.
One big reason, That Ball, money!
Alonso>Palka
(For an 85-90 loss team) Prospect + $9mil + Alonso < Palka
Brandon Belt for Abreu with the giants picking up some of the belt deal money.
Belt looks like an 05 Whitesox player and is a champion. That could work
It’s not 05 anymore. That will not work in 19. Stop trying to relive the past. They are gonna win differently.
Any word what is going back to Indians?
I’m hearing Alex Call.
Where are you hearing that?
A poster on SoxMachine- A Sox blog.
OF Alex Call. Former White Sox #26 prospect back in 2016 before they officially began their rebuild. Nowhere to be found on any lists since then.
Why do all MLBTR articles include the phrase “needless to say”? If something is needless to say, you don’t need to say it, let alone in every article on the website.
Needless to say, we are all humans living on Earth.
I believe ‘needless to say’ is used as a courtesy to readers who already know of what’s about to be said. The reason it gets said anyway is to benefit any who might not yet know. It’s professional journalism, that’s all.
I don’t know why everyone is so convinced the brother in law angle is so rock solid. I can’t stand my brother in law. I’d take a pay cut to play anywhere I’d see him the least. And I can’t imagine manny being anyone’s favourite brother in law
lol your family sucks
You should listen to the song Captain Jack by Billy Joel. Sounds a lot like where your life is at.
link to youtu.be
I loaned my brother-in-law my car.
Told him – “Treat it as if it was your own”.
He sold it.
Plus Manny couldn’t have girlfriends spread across the country.
It could be that other people’s experiences are actually different than yours.
It could also be that you really need to lighten up and take things less seriously
The White Sox acquire the brother in-law of Manny Machado!
Hey, Rick! Get Theo on the line and make a deal for Machado’s chico mejor amigo Albert Almora before he visits next week.
For who? Alex colome? Deal
From your mouth to God’s ears! The White Sox would make that deal yesterday, Manny Machado would sign today and they will be a playoff contender mañana!
Where do I sign? Or is it just a handshake agreement? Either way, I’ll take it so long as it means I don’t have to see Adam Engel ever again.
I’d love to see Albert Almora roaming CF on the South Side, at least until Luis Robert arrives. Even so, if the White Sox don’t upgrade RF in 2019 their current rosters suggests a possibility of Eloy Jimenez, Daniel Palka and Nicky Delmonico occupying the corners. Engel’s defense might be a blessing in that case.
The way Rick Hahn has been wheeling and dealing thus far that likelihood is remote. I have to believe that if Bryce Harper is not in the cards this winter the front office will find some upgrade, be it FA Michael Brantley in LF on a 3-year deal or maybe even Yasiel Puig in RF for just 2019, either to pair with Jimenez in the opposite corner.
Almora is a great defender. Watch him hit all year and run the bases he very average.
Engel is a great defender, but he can’t hit to save his life. I’d take average in a heartbeat.
Sox were considering a trade for Puig last winter, please NO !!! Got no problem adding Brantley though on an incentive laiden contract that rewards him for staying healthy, Brantley immediately becomes our best contact hitter. Markakis would work too as a stopgap OF
Machado & Almora have been best friends since their childhood:
link to 12up.com
link to nbcsports.com
Hispanics don’t like it when white guys call them ‘chico’.
You’re talking about a blue MacPhisto here mom, not some white guy.
Most Hispanics are devout Catholics. They won’t say a thing to me!
So Abreu to Astros?
For Alvarez and Nova, you got a deal.
No, giants
Why would the Giants want Jose Abreu? They don’t need a dh.
Yup. Doubt Alvarez, Whitley or Tucker are included since he is a rental.
The fact Chicago got his brother-in-law means absolutely nothing. Just like people said Corbin is going to the Yankees because that was his childhood team. Bottom line highest better will win Machado.
Well people were assuming that if the Yankees actually made an offer that was close that he would go to the Yankees. The fact that Corbin’s favorite team was the Yankees did mean something. It just did not mean enough to accept the offer that was never made.
They actually did make an offer, they just offered one less year and like 40 less million or something like that than Washington.
That’s exactly what he said…
The Yankees made an offer that wasn’t even close to what the Nats offered. If the Yankees offered a deal closer in value (the offer that was never made), he probably would’ve taken it instead.
“I’ll gladly cut my asking price by tens of millions of dollars so I can be on the same team as my sister’s husband” said nobody ever.
“I’ll gladly cut my asking price by tens of millions of dollars so I can be on the same team as my sister’s husband” suggested by nobody ever.
I think it’s more like: “I’m willing take the most money to go to a team that probably won’t contend next year as long as I like the guys I’m playing with” as opposed to “they’re offering the most money but I could take a pay cut to go to a definite contender”
C’mon Rockies. You couldn’t give up a nothing OF prospect to get a legitimate MLB first baseman?
Of all the players, well this isn’t one to be mad about.
Still better than Desmond.
White Sox mean business. Machado and Harper both. Nothing being left to chance. Reinsdorf making his move.
Why would the White Sox want to pay $9 million for Alonso?
Is this guy that much better than Palka?
Abreu is traded to Rockies for pitcher and prospects. He is then resigned as free agent in 2020. Alonzo plays one year for Chisox” option not picked up. Machado signs
Just curious who you think Rockies realistically part with for Abreu? Nice spot for him and he’s a more loyal guy who may extend at his reported age (add 2-3) to sweeten return. Alonso/Machado link pure nonsense. Decision will be $$$
And if money is basically a wash? Do you think having a couple of his buddies on the team would help or hurt? It’s not going to be the reason he signs somewhere (nobody is suggesting he’ll take less money), but it certainly won’t hurt their pursuit. Acting like it has absolutely 0 effect is just as dumb as acting like he’ll give up money because of it.
Agree about the brother-in-law enticement.. That is BS. Perhaps Gray or Anderson ++ from the Rockies? A few years of control on each I believe. The Rockies uncharacteristicly have pitching depth.
The Sox can’t carry 2 DH players which is what you have essentially with Palka, Abreu and Alonzo. Not with 8 relievers. That is why they non tendered Davidson. There is another shoe to drop.
His option is based on plate appearances. 550 in 2019 or 1100 between 18 and 19.. Last year he had 574 so at 526 plate appearances in 2019 it automatically kicks in. Hopefully some money is changing hands as well even if its a few million.
Abreu to the Astros.
This guy is both under appreciated and over rated lol. How is this possible
Easy, look at ESPN, best thing that ever happened to sports and worst thing that ever happened to sports…
Excellent. Glad to see him traded. Does anyone know anything about this Call kid?
Tweener. Too slow for CF, not enough pop for the corners. Long shot 4th OF.
Likely a corner outfielder with little pop. He’s a solid baseball player, but I don’t think he’s a legit major league talent. Maybe a 4th outfielder if all goes well.
Scouting profile for Alex Call back in 2016: link to m.mlb.com
Scroll down to prospect #26 and click.
Can’t click on a link on my iPad, but I did find a local Chicago write up on him. Sounds just like every other outfielder Cleveland has, except he bats right handed.
If you can access this at some point keep in mind that those stats are from 2016, Call’s first pro season in the White Sox organization after he was drafted in the 3rd round that June from Ball State University. His numbers have declined somewhat since then as he has moved up to A+ and AA (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=call–000ale). He was dealing with some injury issues along the way that may have contributed to that output.
Okay. Thanks for the info.
He’s 24 and struggled on A and AA, not expecting much here.
So about Alex Call….. I think he could play OF for the Indians within the next couple of years. It’s a weak spot for CLE
He’s weak, he’s already 24 and hasn’t shown a batting average, power or speed in A or AA ball. He’ll be lucky to be in Columbus this year.
In addition to the acquisition of brother-in-law Yonder Alonso ahead of Manny Machado’s visit next week it should be noted that White Sox catcher Wellington Castillo is one of the star infielders best friends in baseball. (link to nbcsports.com). Alonso is also very tight with top FA catcher Yasmani Grandal who is still being considered by the White Sox despite the trade for backup James McCann earlier today. Alonso and Grandal are both natives of La Habana, Cuba. The White Sox have always had a strong Cuban connection that currently includes 1B Jose Abreu, 2B Yoan Moncada and top CF prospect Luis Robert. We’ll see if nepotism can be parlayed into the signing of two more premium FA’s on the South Side. I’m guessing it will take a few dollars as well.
According to Bob Nightengale, the Sox have no intention of trading Abreu.
He is not exactly Mr. accurate but has lent some insight into previous White Sox deals. I for one hope that Nightengale is correct. In fact, I would be on board with an extension for Abreu that could keep him with the White Sox until he retires, after which he could remain as a team ambassador ala Minnie Minoso. Abreu has publicly stated that desire as well. Make it so, White Sox!
Cardinal fan here I really do think the White Sox have a very legitimate shot at signing Machado,I am not convinced Harper will sign there but stranger things have been known to happen. If they somehow signed both Machado and Harper they will be a force to reckon with in a year or 2 but not with only just them 2. I think their young pitching will be better right along with the other younger players such as Moncada. Would the White Sox be willing to take Matt Carpenter or Dexter Fowler from the Cardinals ;) LOL!!!
That’s the hope Jesse Cook. Both of them.
Only if Carpenter and Fowler were friends or relatives of Harper and Machado!
This does NOT mean Sox are dealing Abreu! Alonso is essentially replacing the non-tendered combo of Matt Davidson and Avi Garcia. Davidson played !B while Abreu was injured and had neither the bat nor the defense to justify staying. Garcia’s defense, going forward would make him a DH, at best. Alonso is a “swing” role who can flip between 1B and DH and give you a true 1B back up. Nobody is saying he is gold glove, but he is a far better 1B than Davidson and a LH bat. Palka had a nice year, but needs to try to learn how to play the OF. Good move by the Sox. They had a roster full of players who had some “pop” in their bats, but no legit position on the field. Roster improves with true 2 way players who shore up D and help pitching
Palka is a DH. He proved he can hit in pinch hit situations and can hit as a DH. Being in the OF would just be a liability in the Sox are serious about trying to win anything right now.
Heck they may have been better having Palka learn playing at first to spell Abreu.
I do agree that Abreu likely is still here this season, especially if the Sox really want to contend this season
Yes. Palka was a nice surprise in 2018. But for all of his massive and clutch HR’s he strikes out too much, has a low OBP and was so bad in the OF he made Melky Cabrera and Dayan Viciedo look like Gold Glovers. Not to say there isn’t room for improvement (Matt Davidson’s jump in OBP from 2017 to 2018) but Yonder Alonso is much more valuable in the role formerly held by Davidson and Palka. Alonso might also provide a certain “intangible” to the White Sox in the coming days and weeks that the others lacked.
“Yonder Alonso?”
“No, he’s right here…”
Normally generational type talent will not sign with rebuilding teams. Regardless of the city they just will not do it because they do not want to come off as someone who just signed for the money. If they get a big contract they want to be with 18 people can see contending right away.
This smacks of another ‘Well he did well against us, so he must be good’ White Sox trade. Not seeing why the Sox decide to start parting with prospects over a guy like this, especially in an inter division trade where the guy can come back to haunt you 18-19 times a season (and I doubt the Indians are worried about Alonso being on the Sox, which should tell you something).
As for him being Manny’s Brother in law, well that i just a coincidence I think. Besides I do not want to see a guy like Manny on the Sox. I think he is a dirty player and I’m not sure how his attitude is going to mesh with Renteria.
You realize they gave up a 24 year old non-prospect that will be toiling in the Frontier League before you know it.
Gotta love these uninformed opinion posts. Atleast learn something about the prospects in a team’s system before making general assumptions about a rebuild. And yes, the White Sox are a highly marketable team, with a rich history. Look up 2005 White Sox World Series Champions parade in Google images. It will happen again, and soon.
He’s 24, didn’t display power, speed or batting average at A or AA ball, so I highly doubt he turns into Mike Trout anytime soon.
7 of their top 14 prospects are outfielders, and they all have a much higher ceiling than Call. I think they’ll be fine.
Trade Moncada & Giolito & Rodon to Rockies for Arenado then figure out how to get Nolan locked up long term. I guess Hahn didn’t notice how adding a bunch of middling to below avg veterans worked out for Minnesota last year. Quit dipping your toe in the shallow end of the pool Rick. Add impact players not replacement level or worse. Fire Sale in Arizona, Seattle, Cleveland. Whats Seattle gonna do with E.E. Hahn’s a few days late in Calling Indians. Hey Dipoto what’ll it take to get Haniger? Diamondbacks surely willing to sell low on Robbie Ray after last season see if Coop can fix him. Cmon Rick
That’s one of the worst trade proposals I’ve seen on here. It’s even worse than the guy trying to still trade Avi even though he’s not on the team. Congrats.
Yes. It’s a trade the Rockies would be sure to jump on. Those 3 players combined will earn less than Nolan Arenado will make in his final year of arbitration eligibility to say nothing of the years of control.
At least the guy with the Yankee proposal was making a good deal for the White Sox which is why I approved of it. He even threw Avi into the trade for good measure. God knows the White Sox have given away some good players in the past but throwing in a fairly worthless FA is PRICELESS!
Silly trolls if you think any of those 3 amount anything you are mistaken. Arenado is a better player than either Harper or Machado.
If i was Bridich i would ask which one of those bums should i be excited about & hang up the phone on Hahn.
I see Kenny Williams is tinkering again
Rumor has it Rick sent Kenny to Pixie Hollow to scout for some talent. Maybe he will return with Clank as their new C/DH!
Chicago is more than the burial grounds for used-up Tiger catchers. A Stanton or even a Harper might enjoy their time there.
Well the way I see it. Alonso can make Manny pay for dinner when Yankees come to Chicago.
No need, they can dine for free! Soon after becoming teammates this month they will break ground on the new MY Sports Bar and Grill to jump start the neighborhood surrounding Guaranteed Rate Field. It’s sure to be a “hit”, popular with fans and players alike. Manny can give the Yankees a player discount when they visit next June.
Wow you’re the only fan that actually calls their stadium that. It will always be comiskey park to me.
abreu isnt going anywhere
Sure, why should anyone trade a declining first baseman with a big contract during a rebuild? That would make too much sense.
I’d say it depends on the rest of the off-season and how things go with Abreu and the rest of the team throughout the regular season. A deadline trade is more likely.
As the opening day lineup is currently constructed Abreu is the only legit bat in it. Hopefully Eloy makes it 2 but extending Abreu for 3-4 yrs is essential. He wants to finish his career here, excellent mentor to all but especially for latin prospects, he won’t require insane money & he is a quality individual. My hope is that Rick deals Alonso for an impactful bp arm before he ever takes an AB for the ChiSox.
Wishful thinking on Alonso. 1B/DHs are a dime a dozen, and his contract makes any impactful trade returns highly unlikely.
Bye bye Abreu
How is this an upgrade over Palka. Colome the only good trade/acquisition so far this offseason. Hey Rick Hahn, if your going for it in 2019 quit flushing money away with guys like Alonso & Nova. This division is crap & Sox would be nuts not to try for it in 2019 but McCann, Alonso & Nova are worse than Narvaez, Palka & Big Dame James.
The fact that Cleveland was happy to trade him to a divisional rival says all you need to know about this trade.
They gave up nothing for a player that plays a position already filled by jose abreu. Smart. Maybe they’ll trade Abreu.