The Chicago White Sox will enter the All-Star Break 25th in the MLB standings, months into a season where the organization had much higher expectations for the club. When players return from the four-day break, many are expected to be named in MLB trade rumors.
Chicago made significant changes this offseason, letting Jose Abreu depart in free agency, signing outfielder Andrew Benintendi and hiring manager Pedro Grifol to replace Tony La Russa. However, the White Sox have been one of the worst teams in MLB all season.
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The Kansas City Royals became the first team to become sellers before the trade deadline, sending reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers. A few weeks later, the White Sox are expected to become the second AL Central team to declare themselves as sellers.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic examined the situation in Chicago, writing that many around MLB expect the White Sox to concede very soon and commit to selling at the deadline.
“The White Sox are not yet ready to concede they are sellers, but that moment should be coming soon. Their first nine games after the All-Star break are on the road against the Braves, Mets and Twins. If the Sox somehow build momentum during that stretch, more power to ‘em. But no one who has watched them this season seriously expects that to happen.”
Ken Rosenthal on the Chicago White Sox becoming sellers
Chicago has fought off giving up on the season, hoping that All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could spark the rest of the lineup. However, despite having the 11th-highest payroll in MLB, Chicago is nearly 20 games below .500 entering the All-Star Break.
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Once the White Sox officially become sellers, trading away players on expiring contracts will become the first priority. Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn ($18 million club option for 2024), Reynaldo López and Keynan Middleton are expected to be traded by Aug. 1.
In addition, the White Sox are expected to entertain offers for shortstop Tim Anderson and relief pitcher Joe Kelly. According to Rosenthal, Chicago will listen to trade offers for starting pitcher Dylan Cease, but the front office intends to keep him.
The decision to become sellers should help address one of the biggest issues within the White Sox organization. Opening the year, Chicago ranked 26th in MLB.com’s farm system rankings and many of its top prospects have underperformed this year.
Once the White Sox trade multiple starters and empty out their bullpen, it should help the club slip further down the standings and improve their odds in the 2024 MLB Draft lottery.
