The Chicago White Sox are one of the worst teams in Major League history. They are on a pace that will flirt with the worst record ever too which makes things even worse.
Their players are not all bad though. They have a few guys who are in the impossible position of playing for a team as bad as this.
Now is the one chance that they have to get off this disaster of a team and have a chance at the postseason.
There are plenty of contenders looking to better their teams right now. These five players should be on the minds of these teams looking to add:
Luis Robert Jr is the perfect example of a high-end trade candidate
The Chicago White Sox loves getting rid of elite players in the middle of their prime. It is what they do best as an organization.
The debate about Luis Robert Jr’s “elite” status can be debated but there is no doubt that he is an above-average player who can make a difference in this league.
If he were on a good team, he may even have the numbers to back up being an elite player. The talent is there to be a gamebreaker.
No team wouldn’t love his bat in the middle of their lineup. That is especially true if you are a contender who may be one bat away from winning it all.
Robert is also a magician in the outfield with his glove which is a big bonus. He is a centerfielder naturally which is important to note because that is the most important outfield position.
If the package is right for Robert in return, the White Sox should not hesitate. His injury history is enough to move forward in the rebuild without him. It is a worthy risk for a good team but not a bad one.
Michael Kopech is someone that a smart team could work with
Michael Kopech’s time with the Chicago White Sox needs to come to an end. From Tommy John, to sitting out the 2020 season, to a plethora of other things that led to his downfall as a player, he hasn’t reached the potential that he had early in his career.
Kopech isn’t a starter anymore either which is a concern based on his career trajectory. He isn’t even that good of a reliever anymore (he was elite in that role in 2021) but all of the struggles have come on this tremendously terrible White Sox team.
A contender won’t have to pay much to get him as the White Sox are closer to DFAing him than they are using him in any kind of playoff situation.
Plenty of contending teams with good pitching philosophy can try to help Kopech get back to being a quality Major League arm (bullpen or starter). The White Sox should not hesitate.
Erick Fedde has revived his career and now teams want him on their staff
The Chicago White Sox took a chance when they signed Erick Fedde. He revived his pitching career overseas in 2023 which earned him an MLB contract.
A lot of people used the signing of Fedde as a reason they were going to be terrible. Well, the team has been nothing short of terrible like the predicitions but Fedde has been anything but bad.
He is the kind of pitcher that any team should want to add as a middle/back of the rotation guy. His numbers this year warrant respect as he could take the ball in the playoffs with extreme confidence.
Starting pitching is always at a premium when this time of year comes around. It is the most important part of the postseason and we see why every year. Fedde’s adjustments have put him into this spot to make those teams want him.
Garrett Crochet is worth taking the risk on at the trade deadline
Garrett Crochet is a risky trade to make for both the White Sox and the acquiring team. For the White Sox, they have a lefty ace that they are considering trading.
He has been incredible for them and earned his spot in the All-Star Game. He went from being injured most of 2022 to their Opening Day starter. Now, he is one of the most coveted pieces at the deadline.
He wants an extension if he is going to play in the playoffs. That is going to scare a few teams away from wanting him which is fine.
His ability to throw with incredible talent could win in the end. Some team that thinks they can win if they get him might take the risk.
Should the White Sox keep him and build around pitching? An argument can be made but a supreme package for him in a trade is something to consider.
Tommy Pham can add a little extra pop to any lineup looking to contend
Maybe there is a team out there that is looking for a cheap way to add a touch more offense to their group.
A guy like Luis Robert Jr. is at or near the top of that list when it comes to all of the bats available for trade across the league.
However, the White Sox also have Tommy Pham who has been good for them with his bat. He isn’t bringing much in any other aspect which explains his negative WAR but he can be a great pinch hitter for someone.
Pham joined the White Sox late into the year but he has made an impact with them. Now, contenders could want a guy like this who brings 11 years of MLB experience to the table.
Even if a low-level prospect is offered to the White Sox for Tommy Pham, they have to take it and run with the opportunity.
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