One of the biggest names left on the trade market may not be going anywhere after all.
The Chicago White Sox are now telling teams that they will not trade Jake Peavy and will instead attempt to rebuild around the veteran right-hander, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. Peavy has been mentioned in trade rumors involving a number of teams, including the Red Sox, Orioles and Cardinals.
Olney also points out that the team may be using this as a negotiating tool in order to create more leverage in trade talks.
The White Sox entered Monday night with the third-worst record in baseball, sitting 18 games back of Detroit in the American League Central. They have already sold off numerous pieces, including relievers Matt Thornton (to the Red Sox) and Jesse Crain (to the Rays), and many suspect Peavy will be the next to go as the team enters full-on rebuilding mode.
The 32-year-old has no interest in being a part of the rebuild and wants to play for a contender, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, and he reportedly brought extra luggage with him for the White Sox’ trip to Cleveland this week in preparation for a potential trade.
Having spent his entire 12-year career with struggling teams in Chicago and San Diego, Peavy has experienced playoff baseball just twice. The Padres reached the postseason in 2005 and 2006 but failed to advance past the divisional round. Peavy took the loss in his only two playoff appearances, allowing a total of 13 runs over 9 2/3 innings.
Peavy has started 13 games for the White Sox this season, boasting an 8-4 record with a 4.28 ERA.
