The Chicago White Sox are going into full-scale rebuild mode. After replenishing their farm system with multiple in-season trades, Chicago is now looking to move both Avisail Garcia and Jose Abreu.
Abreu and Avisail are being mentioned in trade talk. Garcia, who had nice year (tho not as nice as Abreu) may actually be the more likely one to go. #chisox
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2017
According to this report, it seems more likely that Garcia will be moved than his All-Star counterpart. But it wouldn’t be a shock if both were dealt.
Garcia, 26, is coming off a 2016 campaign that saw him hit .330 with 18 homers and 80 RBI. He also posted a tremendous .380 OBP.
Meanwhile, Abreu hit .304 with 33 homers and 102 RBI. It was the fourth consecutive season to start his career that the Cuban has posted 100-plus RBI.
It makes sense that the Sox might want to sell high on these two sluggers.
In particular, Garcia could fetch a whole lot on the trade market. He’s just 26 years old and won’t be eligible for free agency until 2020. On the other hand, Abreu is also not set to become a free agent until 2020. But his arbitration value will be significantly higher. The slugger earned $10.8 million this past season compared to $3 million for Garcia.
There is no shortage of teams in need for upgrades at the plate. After missing out on the Giancarlo Stanton sweepstakes, the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants are in the market for a power bat. The same can be said for the Boston Red Sox.