We’ve already discussed the Chicago White Sox as potential
trade partners for the New York Yankees once this season but that was when many
of us were under the impression that the Chi Sox were in the hunt as buyers at
the August 1st trading deadline. Recent comments from their GM Rick
Hahn state otherwise as the team is now prepared to once again rebuild so we
have decided to give the White Sox a redeux, or remix, to their trade partner
post to see if the team still matches up with New York on a potential trade
this season.
If the White Sox decide to totally blow up the team the most
attractive, and most expensive, pieces Chicago has will be left-handed starting
pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana. Both would also fit into the plans for
the Yankees as they search for controllable players beyond the 2017 season.
Sale is under contract through the 2019 season while Quintana is an absolute
bargain, in my opinion, through the 2020 season. The problem, which has been
the problem in New York for quite a few years now, is whether Brian Cashman
would be willing to part with the prospects that it would take to land one or
both of these arms.
You would have to think that Jose Abreu would at least be
discussed in a deal if Chicago were to start selling off everything that isn’t
tied down and the general consensus is that New York will be in the market for
a first baseman this winter. Whether that first baseman is intended to start or
serve as insurance for Greg Bird will obviously be determined by how Bird
progresses from shoulder surgery but if the team were to land a talent like
Abreu, which again would be expensive and because of that unlikely, you have to
think Brian Cashman at least has that conversation with Rick Hahn. Abreu is
just 29-years old and under contract through the 2019 season.
The final piece the Yankees would possibly be interested in,
with an extension anyway, is third baseman Todd Frazier. Now I know what you’re
thinking, the Yankees already have Chase Headley. You’re right but in a perfect
world who would you rather have going forward? Headley or Frazier? Yes,
Frazier. Frazier is a free agent after the 2017 season and is 30-years old so
he isn’t the ideal candidate but like I alluded to earlier he is a major
upgrade over Headley in my opinion. Also Headley has been much better of late
and his contract isn’t like an Alex Rodriguez or Mark Teixeira contract that is
close to unmovable as possible.
Will the Yankees get any of these players from Chicago if
they decide to sell? Stay tuned and find out.