The Chicago White Sox could have a firesale ahead of MLB's July 30 trade deadline this year.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that the American League Central team is "listening on everyone" and the "odds-on favorite to make the most deals in the next week." He also highlighted outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and pitcher Garrett Crochet as the "best pitcher and hitter actively on the market."
It comes as no surprise Chicago will be looking to sell.
The team is an ugly 27-75 and looks nothing like a group that is about to turn the corner and become a quick contender. Acquiring any younger players who could accelerate the timeline on a rebuild would be ideal for the front office, and that means making some moves ahead of the deadline.
The front office is also in an advantageous position of being one of the only clear-cut sellers.
With the recent expansion of the playoffs, there are only five teams in all of MLB that are more than 10 games out of a playoff spot. The Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins are the only two teams in the entire National League that are more than 4.5 games out of the final wild-card position.
Some borderline contenders may be more hesitant to move impact players at the deadline given the opportunity to seize a wild-card spot. A crowded postseason race also increases the potential number of buyers looking to make a charge down the stretch.
"Rarely does a deadline line up so well for one team," Passan wrote of the White Sox. "... The prospect of an organization getting desperate and meeting the required return is never more palpable than in a wide-open playoff panorama."
In addition to Robert and Crochet, Passan suggested pitchers Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, John Brebbia and Tanner Banks, as well as position players Tommy Pham, Andrew Vaughn and Paul DeJong, are also candidates to be moved.
Robert is the headliner when it comes to offense, as he was just an All-Star last season with 38 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases. He won a Silver Slugger to go with the Gold Glove he won as a rookie in 2020.
While he hasn't been as effective this season with a .232/.306/.475 slash line, 11 home runs, 23 RBI and 12 stolen bases, he is still just 26 years old with the potential to be a star.
Crochet also stands out as an All-Star this season with a 3.02 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and a league-best 150 strikeouts in 107.1 innings. He has been a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the club and would likely bring a significant return in any deal.
Don't be surprised if the White Sox end up making multiple deals before the deadline.
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