There’s no denying the group of starting pitchers on the trading block ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline pales in comparison to the aces who were moved last season. That’s largely left the Tampa Bay Rays in strong position, with multiple attractive starters.
However, the Chicago White Sox have shifted the landscape in recent days with multiple reports indicating the club is willing to move Chris Sale. As the lone team at this point with an ace on the trading block the White Sox were naturally said to be looking for a significant haul in exchange for the 27-year-old.
Social media was abuzz on Saturday when Sale was scratched from his start against the Detroit Tigers. Given the rampant trade rumors, a guessing game began as to which team had acquired Sale.
However, it soon after became clear he was instead sent home after cutting the team’s throwback uniforms that were to be worn that evening.
On Sunday the White Sox announced they suspended Sale for five days and fined him an undisclosed amount. As for potentially trading the left-hander, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports Chicago doesn’t appear fully motivated to trade Sale or Jose Quintana:
According to multiple major league sources, the White Sox still have shown no inclination to deal some of their key players, such as pitchers Sale or Jose Quintana.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be among the teams with interest in Sale, the Texas Rangers are reportedly making a strong push to trade for the elite lefty. Chicago enters play on Sunday 10 games back of first place in the American League Central and seven games out of the Wild Card picture.
Considering Sale is under team control through the 2019 season with a maximum annual salary of $13.5 million. He’s leads 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA, 3.71 FIP, 1.01 WHIP, and leads the AL with 133 innings pitched.
What’s more, Sale is tied among all AL pitchers with three complete games and is fifth with 129 strikeouts. Given the steep asking price and White Sox’ reportedly waffling, the Dodgers may be more inclined to pursue other options.
