The first significant domino fell on Monday with the Chicago Cubs acquiring closer Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees in a five-player trade. While a premier reliever has been moved ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, the same can’t be said for starring pitchers available.
That includes Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale, who along with teammate Jose Quintana, may be on the trading block. Sale made headlines on Saturday when he was scratched from a scheduled start.
However, it was later revealed that was in response to him cutting up the White Sox’ throwback uniforms, not because the southpaw was traded.
Chicago reportedly began fielding calls on their ace but haven’t given any indication they are intent on trading Sale. The Los Angeles Dodgers, naturally, were named named among the clubs with reported interest.
In the event Sale is available, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports the Dodgers would be willing to include Julio Urias in a package:
As of Monday, the Dodgers’ sense was the White Sox were not yet motivated to move Chris Sale or even well-regarded No. 2 starter Jose Quintana. But I have heard if that changes, the Dodgers would be more aggressive with Sale than they were with Hamels, up to including top prospect, lefty Julio Urias, to front a strong package.
The Dodgers have thus far resisted overtures from clubs who inquired on or asked for Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Urias in trade talks. It’s a significant reason the Dodgers didn’t end up acquiring an ace at last season’s deadline.
However, the Dodgers reportedly were willing to include Urias for Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez when the clubs were said to be holding trade talks during the offseason.
Sale is under team control through the 2019 season, with club options on his deal for 2018 and 2019.
