The Chicago White Sox have been underperforming since last year.
This year, however, they have hit a new low and are fourth in a mediocre division, the AL Central.
Their 43-64 record and -83 run differential speak for themselves.
As a result, it’s time for the franchise to look at the future.
Trading some veterans while they still have some value seems like a good idea.
In fact, even talented players who are not yet 30 could be on the move: the franchise is highly unlikely to compete next year and they need to replenish a rather mediocre farm system.
That makes ace and 2022 Cy Young candidate Dylan Cease a possible trade chip.
It goes without saying that it would take a whole lot for the White Sox to decide to move their best pitcher.
They have already traded Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn, but they were on short-term contracts.
Cease, on the other hand, has two seasons of arbitration eligibility beyond 2023 and is one of the best pitchers in baseball even if his 4.15 ERA this year doesn’t reflect it.
Will he be moved?
MLB insider Joel Sherman offered the latest update.
“White Sox are taking more serious offers for Dylan Cease. No sure thing he moves, but at least considering it now. Kenyan Middleton almost certain to be moved by the White Sox, who are listening on Tim Anderson too,” he tweeted.
White Sox are taking more serious offers for Dylan Cease. No sure thing he moves, but at least considering it now. Kenyan Middleton almost certain to be moved by the White Sox, who are listening on Tim Anderson too.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 1, 2023
Anderson and Middleton are veterans and much easier for Chicago to move on from.
If they trade Cease, two things would have happened: one, they would have convinced themselves that a full rebuild is the way to go, and two, another MLB team would have given up several of their top prospects to get him.
We will find out eventually.
NEXT: Another White Sox Pitcher Is Drawing Trade Interest
