The Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers made the first notable deal just over a month out from the MLB trade deadline, with starting pitcher Aaron Civale dealt to Chicago in exchange for first baseman Andrew Vaughn. That deal could have a domino effect on the MLB trade deadline in July, impacting multiple clubs.
USA Today‘s MLB insider Bob Nightengale writes that Chicago fully expects to trade Civale in July, hoping it can trade the veteran starter for a few “mid-tier prospects” to a team seeking rotation depth. Meanwhile, the Brewers are reportedly hoping that Vaughn could become an everyday option at first base.
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Civale is a near-lock to be moved before the MLB trade deadline on July 31. The 30-year-old righty posted a 3.32 ERA with a 17-6 K-BB ratio in his last 19 innings pitched with Milwaukee. He then requested a trade after being moved to the bullpen, landing in Chicago in exchange for Vaughn.
- Andrew Vaughn stats (career): .248/.303/.407, .709 OPS, 97 OPS+ in 2,451 at-bats
The likelihood of Vaughn becoming an everyday contributor for the Brewers lineup is low. Over the last two seasons, he has a 232/.278/.480 triple-slash line with a .658 OPS and 86 OPS+. However, Milwaukee is hoping that a change of scenery to a more competitive team and playing in a hitter-friendly ballpark will unlock something from the third overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.
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If Vaughn turns things around, it creates an opportunity for the Brewers to trade Hoskins. The 32-year-old first baseman has been very productive this season, .754 OPS and 37 RBI, giving Milwaukee a trade chip at a position several contenders are looking to upgrade this summer.
Based on stats entering MLB games today, Hoskins would be an upgrade at first base for teams like the Seattle Mariners (.622 OPS), Texas Rangers (.654 OPS) and the Boston Red Sox (.737 OPS). Likewise, Civale would be a suitable back-end starter for contending teams like the Red Sox (4.35 ERA), Toronto Blue Jays (4.56 ERA), Los Angeles Dodgers (4.27 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves.
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