The Chicago White Sox have a real chance to make a significant upgrade this offseason, with the team reportedly exploring trade options with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets to address major needs.
For the first time in a while, the White Sox will be buyers at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, and ESPN's Buster Olney points out that they could use both catching and pitching help. The team has been on the rise after years in the basement, and a World Series appearance is not outside the realm of possibility, according to Olney.
The loss of talented catcher Kyle Teel to a significant ankle injury is devastating for the White Sox, but they still have a healthy Edgar Quero. Olney names both catchers from the Cincinnati Reds as possibilities: Tyler Stephenson and Jose Trevino. The New York Mets will also "listen to overtures" about catchers Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens, according to Olney.
The White Sox need to improve their No. 5 starter spot in the rotation, and there are seemingly a good chunk of pitchers available for trade right now. This is a much preferred place for the team to be this time of year than they have been the past few seasons.
Olney doesn't name any specific pitching targets for the White Sox, but the team is likely to be busy if they want to be. The upcoming trade deadline is particularly compelling in Chicago, and the White Sox have a real chance to make noise in the American League.
The White Sox have been on the rise after years in the basement, and a World Series appearance is not outside the realm of possibility, according to Olney. The team's growing strength and the relative weakness of the AL make this a compelling time for the White Sox to make a move.
The trade deadline is just around the corner, and the White Sox are likely to be active in pursuit of their desired upgrades. With a number of talented players available on the market, the team's chances of making a significant upgrade this offseason are looking promising.
Source: Yahoo Sports