The Chicago White Sox are under .500… and we are approaching mid-July. Many chalked up their difficult first month of the season to an early slump. At the end of May, Chicago was simply decimated with injuries. And then concern began to grow in June. And now we are in July, and the White Sox are still playing underwhelming baseball. And with the 2022 MLB trade deadline approaching, one has to wonder if Chicago might sell.
The White Sox are realistically one hot stretch away from being back in the playoff discussion. But that's been the narrative all season long. So which players might be on the trading block should Chicago elect to sell ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline?
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2 players White Sox must trade if they sell ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline
Lance Lynn
Lance Lynn is under contract through the 2024 season. The 35-year old workhorse has dealt with injuries in 2022. As a result, he owns an ERA well over 5.
But wouldn't the White Sox want to hold onto Lynn given his team control?
The team control would be the main selling point for interested teams. Sure, Lance Lynn has labored this season. But the veteran right-hander would be a valuable force in most rotations. And Chicago could still net a decent return given his track record. After all, Lance Lynn posted an impressive 2.69 ERA just last year.
Lucas Giolito may be a surprising name to see on this list. The White Sox have one more year of team control in reference to Giolito. Many may have believed Jose Abreu would be the best option for Chicago to trade since he is set to hit free agency in the offseason.
But dealing Giolito is a part of a bigger plan which we will discuss in a moment.
Lucas Giolito also owns an ERA of over 5. But he is still a 27-year old strikeout machine who will catch plenty of teams' interests. He would likely become an ace for the majority of teams who acquire him.
So why would the White Sox trade Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito specifically?
A retool… not a rebuild
The White Sox offense has underperformed in 2022. But their lineup is going to produce impressive numbers down the road. Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Tim Anderson, and Andrew Vaughn are just a few of their young and controllable core pieces. Keeping Jose Abreu around via an extension may be wise for the White Sox as well. The veteran would make for a valuable leader as this team develops moving forward.
So that leads back to Chicago's pitching staff.
Dylan Cease and Michael Kopech have emerged as star pitchers in the White Sox' rotation. Chicago needs to make them their new 1-2 punch at the forefront of the rotation. Dealing Lance Lynn and Lucas Giolito away will allow for a fresh start for the White Sox pitching staff. And Chicago could trade for young pitching in return for Lynn and Giolito.
The White Sox lineup and bullpen is good enough for this team to win games. Sure, neither has performed up to expectations in 2022. But they are both elite when at full strength.
So a retooling of the pitching staff would be invaluable for this ball club down the road. Chicago could ink a pitcher or two during the offseason as well.
Again, this is all speculative. The White Sox might get hot next week and decide to buy ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline. but if their struggles persist, Chicago should consider dealing Lynn and Giolito.
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