According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark both teams realize the others need and have rekindled trade discussions revolving around David Robertson. A former scout familiar with the Nationals confirmed Starks report.
A team that has been talking with the White Sox says they've been waiting for Nats to sign Wieters to rekindle David Robertson trade talks
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 21, 2017
Stark goes on to write that Derek Norris or Pedro Severino could interest the White Sox.
White Sox have been looking for a catcher. Derek Norris or Pedro Severino could be potential fits.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 21, 2017
Norris is a much more short-term fit for the White Sox. In 557 games over five major league seasons, Norris has hit .233 with 54 home runs, 223 RBIs and 25 stolen bases.
The Nationals catcher would fill the same role that Soto is right now. He is a veteran presence who would be able to guide the White Sox young pitchers. However that alone does not deserve Robertson.
If the White Sox move Robertson to the Nats in a deal involving Norris, then one of Washington’s top prospects in Andrew Stephenson or Carter Kieboom would have to come to the South Side.
Severino is an entirely different story. Currently the Nationals 11th best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, the Severino alone would be amazing haul for the White Sox. He is a defensive first catcher and one of the best all-around backstops in the minor leagues. A one-for-one trade of Robertson for Severino makes sense.
Severino appeared in 16 games at the MLB level in 2016. He hit .321 with two home runs and four RBIs. In 421 minor league games, Severino hit .243 with 19 home runs, 153 RBIs and seven stolen bases. Severino has thrown out 35% of base runners at the minor league level and 43% at the major league level.
MLB Pipeline describes Severino by saying:
Scouts view Severino as one of the best defensive catchers in the Minors. His athleticism and agility make him an excellent blocker, and he receives raves from pitchers and coaches alike for his pitch-framing and overall receiving skills. Severino is adept at controlling the running game, as his combination of advanced footwork and plus arm strength have produced an excellent caught-stealing rate over parts of six Minor League seasons.
Collins is a better hitter than Severino, but the Nats prospect is much better defensively. Playing Severino at catcher and Collins at first may be the White Sox best alignment defensively going forward.
Derek Norris to the White Sox may be a stretch, but Pedro Severino is a definite fit and a prospect the White Sox should be targeting.
Overall, the White Sox need a catcher and the Nationals need a closer. With Washington having Pedro Severino and Chicago having David Robertson, it appears that the two teams will agree to a deal sooner rather than later.
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