The Chicago White Sox haven’t completely opened for business, but if they look to sell off their most valuable assets, they might want to keep the Los Angeles Dodgers on speed dial.
Chicago’s biggest chip is starting pitcher Chris Sale, who started the All-Star Game for the American League earlier this month and is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. The White Sox haven’t indicated they’re willing to move the left-hander, but if they do, it sounds like the Dodgers are willing to pounce.
The New York Post reported Monday night that the Dodgers would even be willing to include left-handed pitching prospect Julio Urias in a trade to acquire Sale. MLB.com ranked Urias the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball entering the season, and the 19-year-old made his major league debut in May. He’s struggled at times and hasn’t been able to pitch deep into games, but his 48 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings pitched present a small showcase of the lefty’s swing-and-miss stuff.
The Post points out that the Dodgers were unwilling to include Urias in trades last season and considered him untouchable in potential trade negotiations to acquire Cole Hamels.
The Dodgers’ increased desperation this season would make sense. For starters, one could argue Sale is a better pitcher than Hamels and one who presents more value in the long run, as he’s signed through 2019 and isn’t owed more than $13.5 million per season over that time; he’s one of baseball’s best bargains.
The Dodgers also need someone to anchor the top of their rotation, as Clayton Kershaw’s status is very much unknown. The three-time Cy Young Award winner hasn’t pitched since June 26 because of a back injury, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently acknowledged surgery might be in Kershaw’s future.
