The Chicago White Sox are currently nine games back of the
division leading Detroit Tigers, and 5.5 games back of the second wild card
spot. Given where they are positioned and how the current roster is structured,
the White Sox should be looking to sell some assets in the next ten days prior
to the trade deadline. With that being said, it is time to look at a few trade
candidates.
Alexei Ramirez
Ramirez is having one of the best years of his steady career
and could be a nice addition for a contender. He is also potentially under
contractual control through the 2016 season with a $10 million salary in 2015
and a $10 million team option in 2016. Ramirez’s skill set and affordable price
for the next two seasons makes him a very attractive trade chip. The question
is whether or not the White Sox will be willing to part ways with their all-star
shortstop? With several middle infielders starting to mature in the minor
leagues, it would make sense to see what type of package Ramirez could bring
back. I would imagine the White Sox are looking for right handed pitching,
outfielders, and a catcher. If the White Sox could get two above average prospects
from those positions, I’d be in favor of moving Ramirez this season. If not,
there is nothing wrong with keeping him and seeing if a deal could get done in
the offseason or during next season. The White Sox figure to be in a better
position to contend in 2015, and having Ramirez as your everyday shortstop wouldn’t
be a bad thing. Having said that, I think the White Sox will find a contender
that really wants Ramirez, and general manager Rick Hahn will pull the trigger.
Gordon Beckham
Just like most White Sox fans, I was a huge believer in
Gordon Beckham upon his arrival in 2009. I thought that he was going to be a perennial
all-star and a fixture in the White Sox lineup for 10-plus years.
Unfortunately, Beckham has never been able to produce consistent offensive
numbers which has hampered his value. Still, Beckham remains one of the best
defensive players at any position, and he offers value to contending teams. The
question is how much would a contender be willing to give up for Beckham?
Considering that Beckham could become a free agent after the 2015 season if a
contract extension isn’t worked out significantly hurts his value. Unless a
team wanted to work out an extension for Beckham, I doubt any club would offer
the White Sox much in return for his services. Like the Ramirez situation, the
White Sox have several options waiting in the minors to replace Beckham making
him expendable. The White Sox might not get much in return for Beckham, but I
would trade him for whatever you can get just to clear up a roster spot.
However, my feeling is that the organization still believes in Beckham and he
won’t be traded in the next ten days.
John Danks
For the most part, John Danks has had a successful 2014
season. Like Sunday afternoon, Danks has run into trouble, but he’s really only
had four bad starts that have skewered his season numbers. Usually, a
left-handed starting pitcher that can provide consistent innings is a hot
commodity at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, Danks has two things working
against him. Even though Danks appears fully recovered from his shoulder
surgery in August 2012, teams will still be leery of offering up anything substantial.
If a team can get over the shoulder concerns, teams definitely won’t love Danks’
contract. Danks is under control through 2016, but it will cost teams a
combined $28.5 million for the next two seasons. Given those two issues, I don’t
think the White Sox will find a club willing to offer up enough to acquire
Danks. The White Sox would probably have to eat a ton of money to get a decent
prospect, and I don’t think they’ll do that. If you have been watching this
season, you’ve noticed the White Sox have serious starting rotation issues
after Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, and John Danks, so holding onto Danks isn’t a
bad thing. Of course, the salary is less than ideal for what probably is a
fourth starter, but the White Sox can afford the salary hit with Sale and
Quintana locked up with club-friendly contracts.
Dayan Viciedo
Dayan Viciedo has flashed tremendous potential during his
time with the White Sox, but many trade rumors have surfaced this season. The
earliest Viciedo can become a free agent is after the 2017 season, so having
three more years of control certainly increases his trade value. I might be
biased since I’ve always like Viciedo’s potential, but I’m still leaning
towards holding onto him. Unless a team blows Rick Hahn away with an offer,
Viciedo should stay put. The White Sox don’t have a ton of depth in the
outfield, and they will have a glaring hole at designated hitter next season.
With Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko gone, I’d prefer to see Viciedo shift over to
DH since his defense is a liability, but having the option to play him
occasionally in the outfield is a plus. Either way, the White Sox will need to
replace Dunn’s power, and trading Viciedo creates another hole on the roster.
With three more seasons of affordable control, I’d like to see the White Sox
hold onto Viciedo a little bit longer.
I did not include Adam Dunn or Alejandro De Aza in this
piece because I think it is obvious that the White Sox should deal both players
for literally anything they could get in return.
-Eric Tichelbaut
Twitter: @etichel07
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