Three seasons ago, the White Sox were a 93-win team with World Series aspirations. But through a series of injuries and overall decline, the club saw that win total decrease to just 61 victories in 2023. The team could be even worse this season. The Sox set a franchise record with a 14-game losing streak, dropping the team to an MLB-worst 21-59. With that winning percentage, the club is on pace for only 42 victories —which would set the MLB record for the fewest wins in a 162-campaign.
Despite their on-field struggles, Chicago has numerous talented players generating significant trade interest. Here are four White Sox players on the trade block ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline.
Garrett Crochet (Starting Pitcher)
No pitcher has been more sought after in the trade market this year than Garrett Crochet — and for good reason. The lefty has been one of the breakout pitchers in Major League Baseball this season, posting a 3.05 ERA across 16 starts while leading the league with 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He struggled a bit in mid-April but reestablished himself since, posting a 1.36 ERA since the start of May while striking out 7.5 batters for every walk allowed during this stretch.
Crochet is a contender for the AL Cy Young Award and is demanding significant attention in the trade market. The only question is if teams will meet the White Sox's steep evaluation for their lefty ace.
Michael Kopech (Relief Pitcher)
One player often included in a package deal alongside Garrett Crochet is closer Michael Kopech. At times, Kopech appears to be unhittable. His fastball sits at 98 miles per hour, and he ranks in the 89th percentile in expected batting average and the 93rd percentile in strikeout rate. But when Kopech gets hit, he gets hit hard, ranking below average in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate. He also walks 5.3 batters per nine innings — pushing his WHIP to nearly 1.500.
Michael Kopech has the arm to be a strong starter or lock-down closer. A team looking for a pitcher with significant upside at a lower cost will highly coveted that kind of talent in the trade market.
Luis Robert (Outfielder)
Can the White Sox capitalize on Luis Robert's 2023 showing? Last year was the first time Robert stayed healthy for an entire 162-game campaign after playing just over 50% of possible contests across 2021 and 2022. But when healthy, Robert is among the best centerfielders in the league. The 26-year-old went for 38 homers, 80 RBI, and 20 stolen bases last season, earning his first All-Star nod while also playing above-average defense.
Robert missed all of April and May in 2024, but Chicago should be able to capitalize on the talent of their oft-injured centerfielder.
Tommy Pham (Outfielder)
For teams that want an affordable, dependable outfield option, Tommy Pham is the top choice. Pham has consistently been a threat to reach 15 homers and 20 stolen bases in a season throughout his career while demonstrating an above-average ability to get on base. This season, Pham ranked in the 89th percentile in expected batting average, the 78th percentile in average exit velocity, and, most impressively, the 94th percentile in chase rate. The veteran's keen eye at the plate has helped him post a career on-base percentage of .350 while also hitting for power.
Despite some injury concerns, Tommy Pham's proven history of production at the plate is invaluable to a contending ballclub.
Follow Us
Subscribe