One of the biggest questions surrounding the White Sox right now is who will be manning third base when the team is ready to seriously contend. The two biggest names thrown around have been Manny Machado and Nolan Arenado. The former being a free agent at the end of this year, while the latter will be one after the 2019 season.
No one really expects the White Sox to sign Machado and Arenado could still sign a long term extension with the Rockies before he becomes a free agent.
So let’s say the White Sox don’t land either Machado or Arenado. Worst case scenario right? Well, that might not end up being the case. There is another 3rd baseman out there that the White Sox could trade for when they feel the time is right. This player was an All-Star last year, signed to a team friendly deal through 2024 (!), and is on a team looking to rebuild. That player’s name?
Eugenio Suarez of the Cincinnati Reds.
Who?
That was my reaction too when I was researching other options at 3rd base. But Suarez is literally everything the White Sox are looking for in a player.
The Numbers
The 27 year old is in the prime of his career and the numbers back it up. Last year he slashed .283/.366/.526 while driving in 104 RBI and belting 34 home runs. For his career he has slashed .264/.341/.447. A 3rd baseman with on base skills and big time power would be a perfect fit for the White Sox.
The Contract
For as good as Suarez has been, his contract just might be the best thing about him. Suarez will make 66 million dollars through 2024, with a 15 million dollar team option for 2025. That would make him the MOST expensive player on the White Sox roster depending on what happens with Jose Abreu.
The Timing
Right now, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for the White Sox to make a move like this. The Reds are in rebuild mode and Suarez is the best asset they have. The White Sox have the prospects to get the job done. So what exactly would it cost?
The Price
The White Sox currently have three untouchable prospects: Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, and Luis Robert. Everyone else is fair game. For a year now I have said that I think the White Sox future outfield from left to right is Eloy, Luis Robert, and Micker Adolfo. That makes Blake Rutherford and/or Luis Basabe expendable. If Suarez did come to Chicago, the infield would be set with Suarez, Anderson, Moncada, and whoever goes to first. That means that Nick Madrigal is also expendable. The 3rd piece would have to be a pitcher, and Dane Dunning would more than likely be the guy. It sucks because I really like Dunning and think he will be a very good pitcher in the MLB. But to get something, you gotta give something and Suarez has shown he is worth the price.
So as it stands today, I would give the Reds Nick Madrigal, Dane Dunning, and their choice of Rutherford or Basabe plus a low level flyer prospect. I think that definitely gets a deal done and could wind up being a rare win-win trade. The Reds get three young players with bright futures while the White Sox get a cost controlled All-Star at a position of need during their time of contention. They also retain their outfield depth by keeping one of Basabe or Rutherford, have their infield set for the future, and still have a ton of money to add pitching via free agency.
All of us White Sox fans know that some of these prospects are going to be traded in the near future. This could be a scenario where it happens.
