Lost between the Rick Hahn firing, Chris Getz hiring, and shooting at the Guaranteed Rate Field is some rare positive news for the Chicago White Sox. Edgar Quero looks good. Really good.
The White Sox No. 3 overall prospect has been on a tear since joining the organization. In his first 20 games with the Birmingham Barons Quero is slashing .295/.383/.436 with 23 hits, 19 RBIs, 12 walks, and three home runs.
Meanwhile, the Angels have already waived Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López, who were traded in exchange for minor-league prospects Ky Bush and Quero. The Angels are in a tailspin and desperate to get below the luxury tax threshold.
Giolito made just six starts for Los Angeles. He went 1-5 and posted a 6.89 ERA. In 32.2 innings he allowed 10 home runs and 15 walks. Lopez looked good. He appeared in 12 games with the Angels with a 2.31 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 11.2 innings. But it is a moot point since the Angels are 64-70 and 11.5 games out of a Wild Card spot.
The former White Sox ace was blunt when asked about his time with the Halos telling the OC Register “It’s been very poor. No other way to put it.”
Giolito and Lopez are set to hit free agency and the White Sox were likely not going to resign them. The fact they were able to net an MLB.com Top 100 prospect for a pair of rental pitchers was already a victory in itself. Regardless of whether Quero or Bush pan out their value is certainly higher than the six starts the Angels got out of Giolito.
The Angels have effectively waved the white flag on the season and gave up two assets for nothing. It is a tough look for a team that has had the two best players in the world for the last several years and has failed to do anything with them.
Giolito’s struggles likely won’t bring White Sox fans any joy in an already miserable season. But it is ironic one of Rick Hahn’s final moves as general manager appears to be a good one.
The White Sox were in need of a catcher and got the No. 65 overall prospect in baseball. Quero needs some work defensively but he moves well behind the plate. He also has a good understanding of the strike zone and patience at the plate. Plate discipline, or lack thereof is something the White Sox have struggled with at the MLB level.
The grass isn’t always greener Lucas. But in your case, you’re so lucky to get away from this dumpster fire of an owner on the south side.