Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.
Former Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd proposed a crazy trade
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn has already stated in the media that the team is more likely to add through trades, but the main issue is that Chicago does not have many desirable prospects to offer aside from shortstop Colson Montgomery and outfielder Oscar Colas.
So, trading from his MLB roster is the most likely way Hahn can add a solid hitter this year.
That’s how O’Dowd ends up proposing Hendriks to the Yankees in exchange for infielder Gleyber Torres. You can argue whether it’s worth trading your all-star closer to compete for a title in 2023, but at the very least, the White Sox would get a solid hitter to fill the void at second base for a couple seasons.
But this is where O’Dowd lost everyone. At least, White Sox fans. He also proposed a trade for left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet.
I know Crochet is returning from Tommy John surgery, and while 2023 may not be as dominant for him (pitchers typically struggle their first year after TJ surgery), the lefty is still regarded as a valuable member of the White Sox pitching staff.
Crochet won’t be a free agent until after the 2026 season. That’s four more years of a good pitcher under team control at a low cost for the White Sox.
Meanwhile, Torres has two more seasons before he becomes a free agent. In 2023, he is expected to earn close to $10 million in arbitration. As part of his three-year, $54 million contract, Hendriks is owed $14 million in 2023 and has a club option for 2024 that includes a $15 million buyout.
The White Sox would also be trading two crucial relievers, which is a major concern. The White Sox are attempting to win again in 2023. This isn’t a case where a team wants to reset and take a year off from competing.
The American League Central isn’t a powerhouse, so the White Sox have every intention of trying to win it, and trading away two high-leverage relievers isn’t an option.
