The White Sox are scanning the market for center field help, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). It seems that the organization isn’t sure how Austin Jackson is progressing after undergoing knee surgery a month ago.
We’ve heard mostly about the possibility of Chicago adding a slugging corner outfielder to date, but a slow return from Jackson would certainly increase the need for an up-the-middle option. Even if he is able to return in relatively short order, it would be nice to have a player capable of manning center given Jackson’s less-than-exciting performance to date.
The Sox do still have Adam Eaton on hand. He’s plenty youthful and athletic and manned the position last year, after all. But defensive metrics have viewed him as a sub-par performer up the middle while grading him as an outstanding defender in right, and that surely weighs into the calculus.
A glance at the most recent MLBTR top trade candidate list shows that the top trade options trend toward the corners. Charlie Blackmon is probably the premium center fielder who might be had, with a reborn Melvin Upton also rating as a candidate. Other possibilities include Peter Bourjos, who’d provide a nice glove, though it’s fair to wonder whether the South Siders would be better served with a more significant addition. A player such as Blackmon could push Jackson into a corner outfield platoon when he returns and provide some thump for the lineup.
Too bad the Mets can’t dump de Aza on them for a used BP stool and some half chewed gum. I’d personally drive de Aza to the airport if CWS were willing to take him.
LMAO
I am still surprised how bad De Aza regressed. By no means was he a future HOFer but I expected much more from him.
Met fans like you who insist on unreasonable trade returns drive me nuts. What makes you think deAza is worth yesterday’s stool from the toilet, let alone a BP stool? Take the gum and move on?
No thanks! Been there, done that…
I’m sure dumb and dumber will overpay for more garbage. But then again, there isn’t anything in the minors worth keeping
deAzA used to be with the White Sox. He was a tool there too.
Inciarte from the braves? Maybe they can work out a trade for prospects
You need prospects to make that deal. The sox don’t have them. Unless you give up Fulmer, which would be stupid
Thanks to KW completely depleting their farm system year after year. The Sox have nothing but washed up scrubs to show for it too. I don’t understand how he still has a front office job in the league at this point.
He’s one of Reinsdorf’s made men. Take a look at the Bulls joke of a front office if you need more evidence. Not to mention KW might be the first and only black VP for any baseball team. I don’t know if that matters to Jerry, he’s blindly loyal to pretty much everyone who works for him.
Hard to argue with your comment except to say that Kenny Williams is still the only GM in Chicago with a World Series title next to his name since 1917. Same goes for owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
I expect that to change in the very near future, at least on the North Side of town with Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Joe Maddon in charge.
Who are these amazing prospects that the sox have traded away? They have made good moves.
Remember the old saying,”What have you done for me lately”? For the two people from the sox it’s, NOTHING! I do believe Jerrys one. Haven’t heard from him in months. And sadly, Williams is in charge. That teams going down like Detroit.
Williams has not been in the position for 3 years. What prospects did he trade over three years ago that make this a bad system today?
Even the guys that Hahn’s traded . . . sure, you’d like to have Thompson back right now, but 3rd base was an issue for years, so it’s hard to criticize the move for Frazier. Otherwise, it’s not like there are former Sox prospects all over baseball making them look bad.
Inciarte wouldn’t be a great choice for a few reasons. He hasn’t played great, he’s been injured, and the Braves seem interested in keeping him.
Exactly. Not happening. And he wouldn’t cost Fulmer if they did..
He shouldn’t really, but he will. That said, not a deal that will happen. More like Chase D’arnaud for Brian Clark.
Didn’t say I’d give up Fulmer. My point is the Sox system is garbage, and will continue to be until Kenny is gone
For what it’s worth, I read it your way!
My bad, my reply was to Madsen
Michael Taylor?
Michael Taylor is an excellent call
Good option but I wonder what PHI wants for Bourjos.
I don’t think he would cost much. He’s a 29 year old rental who’s riding a hot streak into the All-Star break, but is due to come back down to earth. Even still, he definitely has value to a contender for his defense and speed alone as a 4th OF that can start if needed.
With Herrera occupying one OF spot, Asche and Goeddel currently in the mix, Nick Williams possibly getting a call-up at some point, and Aaron Altherr returning towards the end of the month or early August, I’d think Bourjos would definitely be available with no team control after the year and him not really factoring into their future (or at least he shouldn’t be).
I may be in the minority, but I was actually annoyed (and still am) that they stopped playing Goeddel as frequently as they used to when Asche came back. He found his stride when he was getting regular ABs.
Sorry for the long response, but basically I’d be happy getting a fringe prospect for him who has some upside. Probably a team’s top-30 prospect but nothing close to top 10-15. Maybe a guy who projects as a future reliever? It shouldn’t be much.
I know he is injured right now but Jon Jay would be perfect
Great idea
Blackmon would fit in great with the White Sox high-energy style with Anderson, Eaton, Lawrie etc but would definitely cost a top prospect plus probably 2-3 more solid guys.
I’ve been looking at Nori Aoki lately, he’s had ridiculously bad BABIP luck vs. lefties but has been tearing it up since being demoted. Wouldn’t be a massive upgrade and the M’s might not be ready to sell, but I like his track record over JB Shuck’s.
Coco Crisp would also be a very White Sox trade to make, though they’d have to watch his plate appearances to make sure he doesn’t go over 550 (vesting option). Also, his defense has fallen off a cliff the last few seasons. Trying to be realistic with expectations.
Y would the Wsox not look at getting Reddick and put Eaton in CF
this.
Because Eaton is a great rightfielder but a subpar centerfielder. It would weaken the White Sox defensively.
It should be pointed out that Adam Eaton was a Gold Glove finalist in CF back in 2014, his first year with the White Sox. He has also played well there this season albeit in limited appearances. Finally, Eaton actually prefers to play CF and his bat profiles better at the position than a corner spot. It’s not like the White Sox have anything approaching a Mike Trout caliber hitter manning the position or in their farm system, although acquiring Charlie Blackmon to play CF would definitely make Eaton’s bat play better in RF.
Eaton may want to play CF, but the statistics say he’s below average there whereas they say he’s outstanding in right. Why weaken yourself defensively at two positions?
Boss man. for Jordan Guerrero or Dykstra.
The Sox are just perpetually screwed. They don’t know how to develope talent, so they don’t subscribe to longterm planning methods that other cash-limited clubs have had success with. At the same time, they’re never in a position to acquire the kind of impact players they need to become a real contender, hence the plan “b” moves on marginal talent that get them nowhere. I’ve been a fervent and loyal White Sox fan for 30 years now, and the last 10 years have been a hellish nightmare. They really need better leadership and the front office and on the field before things get any worse (if that’s possible).
A team in Chicago shouldn’t worry about a ‘cash limit’. Theoretically, their limit should be a lot more than a true cash-limit market
You don’t know very much about Chicago baseball if you think the Sox shouldn’t worry about a “cash limit.” The Cubs are the cash cow; the Sox pickup the scraps. The Sox should be considered a mid-market team at best.
Who could they move for him? Their farm is shot and I think that is what the As would want is decent prospects.
Reddick is a free agent at the end of the season, so he is only a two month rental for a team. Sox won’t give up top prospects for a player that will walk at the end of the season
But the A’s are certain to extend a QO if they don’t trade him. So he will cost a legitimate prospect to acquire.
Why is Brett Gardner not included in this? The Yankees have been shopping him for a while. If they decide to sell I imagine he’s going to be near the top of the list to trade.
Agree with this. It’s a good fit, and Gardner is a solid player.
Who would the Yankees ask for in return ? White Sox farm isn’t strong.
The way I see it, it would have to be a combination of maybe their top minor league prospect, cash, and maybe a PTBNL. Unless you get into a three team trade.
Yankees – Get 2 A Prospects + 1 B Prospect (1 from White Sox + 2 From Team X)
White Sox – Get Brett Gardner
Team X – Get Ivan Nova
Something of that nature?
Lol that’s a horrible trade for the White Sox. 0% chance they’re giving up Carson Fulmer for a player like Brett Gardner.
I agree. 2 A prospects for Gardner is a lot.
1. The Yankees are going to be asking quite a bit.
2. Brett Gardner isn’t a free agent until 2019.
3. Carson Fulmer is not a minor league prospect anymore, he’s called up. I’m talking only minor league prospects.
I mean I could maybe see 1 A Prospect & 2 B Prospects seeing as Nova is a free agent at the end of the year. But If you throw in someone like Andrew Miller you’d definitely be looking at 2 A Prospects and at least 1 B prospect.
I don’t see any prospects that the Yanks would want, no deal there.
What’s a BP stool?
BP is for bullpen.
Melvin Upton?
Melvin Upton seems like the best fit. It will only cost them a guy like Jordan Guererro. Charlie Blackmon would cost them Fullmer & CHW won’t won’t to part with him. Plus San Diego already scouted the White Sox organization for the Shields trade so they are familiar with the players the lower levels they have. I could see Upton to the sox.
The White Sox need to start selling. They aren’t making the playoffs.
They have a lot of tradeable pieces.
They don’t have a minor league System with the assets needed to land a big enough difference maker in center.
Off season is a better time to sell pitching this time. Literally no one available. Quintana’s contract will bring in a haul
How about Andrew McCutchen? Would be a big splash.
Cutch for Sale?
Honestly, as much as I like Cutch, I doubt the Sox would do a straight swap. Sale would take more.
Sign Cutch to an extension prior to trade and I could see that straight up.
That doesn’t make the White Sox better.
Isn’t mccutchen starting to decline this year?
And, Kenny Williams would be immediately fired
Polanco and Glasnow
They can have Jake Marisnick any day.
The other Sox, have buried a fine defensive CF in triple AAA, Rusney Castillo. He’s got a gun, is very fast and capable of stealing bases too. With the emergence of Bradley, he has no position. Get the RedSox to pick up a bunch of his contract and give him a shot.
Surprised that wasn’t discussed earlier. Still controllable at great price. I think Pirates know they are not serious contenders this year so if an offer comes along I think you have to listen.
The Pirates know they are not contenders? I’m going to guess they don’t know that, because it’s not true at all.
They are as good a bet as any team in the NL to make a run at the Wild Card. They’re getting the back-end of their rotation figured out and Cole is coming back. They might be the favorites for a Wild Card.
Charlie Blackmon would be an ideal fit for the White Sox.
1-He bats left-handed, adding more balance to the lineup.
2-He’s another top of the order option with high OBP numbers and an accomplished base stealer.
3-He could bat lead-off or hit #2, allowing the White Sox to drop rookie SS Tim Anderson down to the #9-hole for now.
4-He provides plus power for a top of the order hitter, filling yet another need for the White Sox.
5-He has some measure of team control as a first time arb-eligible player in 2017. He won’t become a free agent until 2019.
But he will cost you guys Fulmer. Which I don’t think the Sox want to do.
Same trade deadline story, different season. The White Sox should be starting a long overdue complete rebuild. They are going nowhere with this core of players, now or in the future. I will be back at the end of this season when they don’t make the playoffs to say I told you so (just like last season). If they insist on holding the deluded belief that this is a playoff team and they want a CF, I would suggest Michael Bourn (who would cost almost zero assets and wouldn’t impact the inevitable tear down).
I would take Melvin Upton no problem. Maybe I’m late to the party but has anyone else noticed how good he’s been this year?
As to the people saying “Full Rebuild!”. Here’s the one question you need to ask. Is Jerry Reinsdorf alive? If the answer is yes then you can stop talking about it. He’s not going to sit through a 10+ year rebuild.
I am game to send Upton to the White Sox but I would want a B/C level prospect depending on if any money changes hands. Who would be a viable prospect? Guerrero?
I would say that’s possible. Probably not Danish or Adams.
Wonder what Billy Hamilton in Cinci would cost the White Sox.
Melvin Upton Jr is the answer, it wont cost the White Sox much in terms of prospects as long as they’re willing to take on all of his remaining salary.
Makes sense
Upton has been solid this year and im actually a fan of his at this point but he still probably has zero trade value. Pay his contract next year and I bet the Padres would more or less give him away.
I think if Melvin Upton was attached to Ryan Buchter the Padres would not only be able to get rid of Upton without taking on any money but they would also be able to get a prospect back like Jordan Guerrero in exchange for those two.
Jackie Bradley Jr., Buchholz, and LHP Henry Owens for Chis Sale…
Not even remotely close.
I assume this is a joke
I think Sale is the only name that would get 2 of Moncada, Beinendi and Devers
Pirates Austin Meadows and John Niese for Chris Sale.
Come on man
Take Carlos Gomez!…. Please?
That Red Sox offer and the Pirates offer are ridiculous. People aren’t smart.
Trayce Thompson and Marcus Semian sure would look good. How is the front office still employed?
Eh Trayce Thompson has really cooled down. Todd Frazier gives the White Sox a legit third baseman for the first time in years. Semien is just crazy. I always liked him as a prospect, but I never thought he’d be a 20 HR guy let alone a 30 HR guy most likely.
Although, even with all his power, Semien is still just a 108 wRC+ right now.
Is anybody willing to give Carl Crawford or will Venable a shot? Venable may have been picked up by somebody and I missed it, but he’s a decent at least average possibly slightly above average centerfielder. Crawford’s best days are well behind him but he could slot into the corner and they could move eaton over. Obviously the White Sox are going to make a trade, being that they’ve already traded for shields, and think they’re going to win now. However the White Sox are not going. They’re not a good team. They started off hot, and now they’re showing what they are. It seems stupid to make a bunch of trades and give up a bunch of talent and then ruin your system for years to come when they’re barely .500. I understand the team in the fans are excited because they’re close and I believe they’re only a game out of the wildcard, but they should be looking at AAA talent that can help them in the outfield instead of major trades that ruins the farm
Sox are a Wild Card contender if they can add a legitimate left handed bat. They are good defensively (fewest errors in MLB?) starting pitching is strong (maybe only Cleveland, Toronto and healthy Texas better in AL?), back end of pen better than most. In my mind they have underachieved with no contributions at DH, and a subpar season from Abreu. I’m not sure how Charlie Blackmon hits away from Coors but he would look good in black and white for the next few years. Hahn needs to get it done. They just had 3 top 50 picks in the recent draft and Spencer Adams may be better than Fulmer. Maybe the altitude in Denver would help Avii Garcia? There are trade pieces….
How about Yasiel Puig?
The sox don’t need someone with blazing speed in their outfield since US Cellular doesn’t have large gaps. I could see a trade for CarGo or Bruce because they need a big left handed bat. Eaton is fine in center field, plus CarGo can also play center.
I think Pirates give Austin Meadows, John Nielsen and Vogelsong for Sale. Meadows has no where to go with the pirates having one of the best outfield in baseball.
Stop!!!