SEATTLE — The Chicago White Sox are opening up for business as a seller, according to sources, and they plan to seriously consider deals for all but four cornerstone players on their roster: Dylan Cease, Andrew Vaughn, Eloy Jimenez and of course All-Star Luis Robert Jr., who is second among AL position players in WAR (4.1) and under a reasonable contract through 2027, including two option years at $20 million per.
Free-agents-to-be Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Keynan Middleton are the most likely to go in trade, with Giolito, who will bring the most, expected to draw interest from the Reds, Rangers and others.
Giolito’s hometown Dodgers could also be a potential landing spot. Giolito has re-established himself as the Chisox’s ace this year, and in this market, even as a rental, should require a decent-sized haul.
While the White Sox could possibly listen on their four cornerstone guys, who would bring back even more, their clear intention is to keep them at this point.
Sources did not say talented youngsters Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech are in that same close-to-untouchable category, which is interesting.
The South Siders have a decent stash of talent, but with their stark underperformance this season (38-54), it stands to reason that they may need to shake things up a bit.
The Red Sox are in an unusual spot, in last place, but five games over and only two games out of the wild-card race.
Folks envision a sale. But Red Sox All-Star closer Kenley Jansen said, “I hope it doesn’t happen. I love the city. I love the team. I love everything about it. I want to win there.”
Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez said he didn’t want to talk about whether he might waive his veto rights to be dealt to a contender, but sources suggest he might consider it for a chance at another ring. The Marlins, Padres and Astros seem like potential fits.
Perez only said, “I love Kansas City. They gave me an opportunity” …