The Chicago White Sox have recently executed two trades this month, but these decisions have not noticeably altered the composition of the major league roster so far. With the trade deadline fast approaching on Monday, there is still an opportunity for the Sox to act. Holding a 1½-game lead in the American League Central before Wednesday’s matchup against the New York Yankees at Rate Field, they are positioned as potential buyers.
Manager Will Venable expressed confidence in the general manager’s efforts. “I expect the deadline to come and go, and (general manager) Chris (Getz) and the group to do everything they can to take advantage of the opportunity to make our team better, which I think he’s shown that he’s done every step of the way here,” Venable said. “I know that he’s grinding every single day like from day one to make our team better, so if there’s a path to do that I know he’ll do it.”
Potential Targets for the White Sox
Catcher
The Sox have faced challenges with production from catchers, partly due to injuries. Kyle Teel, now on the injured list, has missed a substantial portion of the season. He has seen action in just 19 games, recording two home runs and 14 RBIs, and is currently dealing with a left ankle sprain that could sideline him for up to 12 weeks.
Edgar Quero and Drew Romo have shared catching duties. Quero, called up from Triple A following Teel’s injury, has managed a .181 average with two home runs and 15 RBIs across 58 games. Romo has a .137 average with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 41 game appearances.
The trade market for catchers experienced a setback with the recent injury of Shea Langeliers from the Athletics. Currently available catchers include Tyler Stephenson from the Cincinnati Reds, batting .248 with eight home runs, and Jonah Heim from the Athletics, who offers a .220 average with ten homers.
Starting Pitchers
The White Sox rotation is grappling with increasing innings. Davis Martin started Wednesday with 111 innings under his belt, approaching his last season’s career high. Sean Burke, with a scheduled start for Thursday, has clocked 118 1/3 innings this season.
Anticipation around acquiring additional pitching depth features names such as Reid Detmers from the Angels and Clay Holmes of the Mets. Detmers carries a 4.03 ERA alongside 145 strikeouts in 125 innings, while Holmes, recovering from a right fibula fracture, maintains a 2.39 ERA.
Relief Pitchers
Since June 23, the White Sox bullpen has boasted the fourth-best ERA in the majors at 2.70. Relievers have permitted 38 earned runs throughout 126 2/3 innings, achieving 140 strikeouts.
Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb, Bryan Hudson, and Grant Taylor have assumed critical roles. Possible reinforcements may emerge from the farm system, including Tanner McDougal recently active in Triple-A Charlotte, and José Urquidy, acquired from the Pirates.
Without a designated closer, there’s potential to seek out established talent like Mason Miller from the Padres. Surrounding trade considerations also include Pete Fairbanks from the Marlins.
Despite looming decisions, Venable praised the team’s focus. “I don’t hear a bunch of conversations about the deadline,” Venable said. “I hear conversations about what are we going to do to this pitcher tonight and how are we going to get better, whatever it might be. Those types of things, which gives me confidence they’re thinking about the right things.”
Schedule Update
The start time for the Sept. 6 game against the Minnesota Twins at Rate Field has been altered to 5:20 p.m. It will be broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN. The game was initially scheduled for a 1:10 p.m. start.