The Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline is upon us, and Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale figures to be one of the day’s most-discussed names.
It still seems unlikely that the White Sox will trade their ace left-hander, but there’s reported interest from three teams that could line up well for a potential trade with Chicago for Sale. Those teams, according to TodaysKnuckleball.com’s Jon Heyman, are Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
All three teams, as Heyman writes, have “fertile farm systems,” which is a must for any team looking to acquire Sale.
Heyman specifically mentions the Dodgers’ top pitching prospects, Julio Urias and Jose DeLeon, as two names who could help L.A. land Sale. Heyman also notes that young Rangers players such as Nomar Mazara, Joey Gallo and Jurickson Profar have come up in discussions.
The Red Sox, as it’s been mentioned numerous times, have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. However, Heyman also writes that “word all along out of Boston has been that (a Sale trade) is somewhat of a long shot.”
Sale’s situation is fascinating. His statistics speak for himself, reinforcing the notion he’s among the best pitchers in baseball. The 27-year-old currently has a 14-4 record with a 3.17 ERA and a league-leading three complete games. He just started the All-Star Game — his fifth consecutive ASG selection — and has finished no worse than sixth in American League Cy Young Award voting in each of the last four seasons.
But Sale has created some headaches for the White Sox away from the field this season. Sale clashed with Chicago executive vice president Kenny Williams earlier this season as part of the saga surrounding Adam LaRoche and his son. More recently, the White Sox suspended Sale after the lefty cut up team throwback jerseys in protest after his wishes to wear a different jersey were denied.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images
