The main reason the White Sox have had so much talent in their farm the past 3 years has been from the return of assets Rick Hahn traded away. Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Basabe, Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning, Reynaldo Lopez, Blake Rutherford, Eloy Jimenez, and Dylan Cease all came into the Sox system as a result from different trades. With a good chunk of that talent on the MLB roster already and more on the way soon, the time will be coming for Rick Hahn to be a buyer instead of a seller. If 2020 really is the first year of their contending window, then the White Sox should be looking to add a controllable piece who is still relatively in their prime that can help the team win both now and later. The front office’s history when it comes to free agency is, well bad. Trading some prospects for proven players looks like it will be the best way for the Sox to acquire more talent. I did some research and found 2 potential trade targets the Sox could realistically zero in on.
Mitch Haniger- OF, Seattle Mariners
When it comes to perfect fits, there might not be a better player for the White Sox to target via trade than Haniger. Last year the right fielder hit .285/.366/.493, posted a 4.6 WAR, and was named to his first All-Star game. 2018 also happened to be his first full season in the bigs as he played in 157 games, up from just 96 in 2017. This is his last year before he hits arbitration, so he will be due for a decent pay raise, but probably not an astronomical one. The White Sox admittedly have a huge surplus of outfielders in their farm system including Blake Rutherford, Micker Adolfo, Luis Gonzalez, Luis Robert, and Steele Walker. It might sound odd to trade a few of those guys for another outfielder, but it’s better to know you have a proven player in Haniger rather than a bunch of prospects who may or may not hit. (Although I seriously doubt the Sox will trade Robert).
The Mariners have already traded away a bunch of assets including Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz. If the Mariners continue their hot start, (5-1 in their first 6) this idea could easily be put to bed. But let’s not forget the Astros control the A.L. West until someone takes it from them. Seattle could regress and find itself out of playoff contention by the trade deadline. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them try and move Haniger. The Sox should absolutely be one of the teams in on his services if he becomes available.
Jameson Taillon- RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Taillon is another great fit for the Sox. He will play his entire 2019 season at the age of 27, he doesn’t become a free agent until after the 2022 season, and he’s coming off his best year as a pro in 2018 (32 starts, 14-10, 3.20 ERA, 3.8 WAR). He got roughed up a bit in his first start on Opening Day, but make no mistake, this guy can pitch. He’s currently the no. 1 on Pittsburgh’s staff. He wouldn’t have to step in and be THE guy in Chicago, but he does have Ace upside. Every major projection site has him with a sub 4 ERA for 2019 as well. As a former No. 2 overall pick in the draft, he would net a very nice return for Pittsburgh. With the N.L. Central currently in control of the Brewers, Cubs, and Cardinals, the Pirates would be smart to set off on their own rebuild. Taillon is a great piece to put on the market for a big return.
Personally, I’d absolutely love Mitch Haniger on this team. A future outfield of Eloy, Robert, and Haniger? Yes please. Although a future rotation that boasts Carlos Rodon, Michael Kopech, Dylan Cease, Jameson Taillon, and Giolito/Lopez/Dunning would be an amazing sight to see as well.
Sooner or later some of the prospects in the Sox farm will be dealt for proven talent. These two players are great targets for the White Sox both in the short term and the long.
