Last night, rumors began circulating about the Chicago White Sox potentially trading for Oakland A’s ace Frankie Montas.
Mike Rodriguez of Univision Sports reported that the two sides were “very close” to making a deal happen.
However, it appears that those rumors have been put to rest.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the deal that had been discussed involved young outfielder Andrew Vaughn being traded to the Athletics in exchange for Montas, but Nightengale notes that the two sides had been discussing a deal weeks ago and that the White Sox had no interest in giving up Vaughn, even for Montas.
The Chicago #WhiteSox, who have their home opener today, informed the Oakland #A's that they have zero interest in trading young star Andrew Vaughn for A's ace Frankie Montas. They rejected the proposal weeks ago, and have reiterated that Vaughn is staying put.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 12, 2022
Sox Reject Deal
It should be noted that this does not mean a deal won’t happen.
It just won’t include Vaughn, that is unless the White Sox get a little more in return.
But with Lance Lynn on the injured list due to a torn meniscus and Lucas Giolito having to leave his Opening Day start against the Detroit Tigers early, the White Sox are in need of some pitching reinforcements.
They already signed veteran right-hander Johnny Cueto to a minor league deal, but depending on how Giolito recovers, they may need to go out and make another move.
Montas went 13-9 with a 3.37 ERA in 2021 and actually began his career with the White Sox in 2015 before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three-team trade.
If Montas is dealt, then the A’s fire sale continues into the season.
He would join Sean Manaea, Chris Bassitt, Matt Olson, and Matt Chapman in being traded from the team in recent weeks.
We’ll see if these rumors pick up any steam or if Montas stays put for the time being.
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