White Sox May Be Willing To Trade Chris Sale After All

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Bryan Zarpentine

Chicago White Sox Chris Sale

Image via cbssports.com

In contrast to reports that came out Thursday that the Chicago White Sox were unwilling to listen to trade offers for starting pitcher Chris Sale, new reports surfaced on Friday indicating that the team was fielding calls for their ace and at least listening to what other teams had to say. GM Rick Hahn said Thursday that he was “open-minded” when it came to discussing trades, but sources indicated the White Sox wanted to keep their rotation in tact, specifically Sale. However, it now looks like Chicago is open to trading anyone, including their ace.

Thursday it was reported the White Sox turned down a “king’s ransom” for Sale. But after Hahn teased a potential fire sale on Thursday, the team is now fielding calls from teams that believe that both Sale and Jose Quintana may be available if the price is right. Chicago is certainly not looking to trade Sale or Quintana, but if they are at least open to the idea, the list of suitors figures to be a mile long. Two teams that have jumped out as potential suitors are the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers.

The Red Sox have long been interested in Sale, and have already inquired about White Sox closer David Robertson to help address a bullpen that’s suddenly riddled with injuries, with Koji Uehara and Craig Kimbrel both on the DL. After trading for Drew Pomeranz last week, the Red Sox may not be looking to add another frontline starter. But if they think Sale is available, the Red Sox may take a shot at acquiring him. Boston has several high-level prospects in its farm system that could play a role in convincing the White Sox to send Sale to Boston.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are in dire need of a frontline starter with multiple starters on the DL and Yu Darvish unreliable from a health standpoint after returning from Tommy John surgery earlier this season. Chicago and Texas have reportedly discussed both Sale and Quintana, and a report that surfaced Friday mentions the Rangers are “making (a) serious effort” to acquire sale. There’s no indication how far along talks are between the two teams, but the White Sox are said to be interested in both Jurickson Profar and Joey Gallo. It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that Chicago would ask for both Profar and Gallo, possibly more, to part with Sale.

Nothing appears imminent with regard to Sale or Quintana being traded, but the reports that came out Friday indicate the White Sox are more open to trading their best starting pitchers than originally thought. It will undoubtedly take a lot to pry Sale away from the White Sox, but there figures to be plenty of suitors, and if one of them is willing to make Chicago an offer it can’t refuse, Sale could be on the move before the trade deadline.

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