Chicago White Sox

I’d look into moving Stiever into a relief role in all honesty, but that requires adding a couple of arms to fill out the Knights’ rotation.

Sean Burke or Jason Bilous right now. They should add a cheap swingman and try to acquire a AAA arm for Burger IMO. Edit: @Balta1701

I’d be surprised if he agreed to a one year deal with a team option, but it would be a huge win for us.

I really like this signing relative to other bargain bin options.

The SP depth in the system is actually getting better, but AAA is going to be light without another addition. Right now there is a ton of pressure on Sean Burke to step up his game & fast, because he’s literally two injuries away from being in the major league rotation.

I’d imagine within the next hour

I’m actually really optimistic about our rotation with Clevinger as the #5. Still need another depth arm for Charlotte and/or swingman, but I think we’ve got as high of a ceiling rotation as anyone in baseball. Will be disappointed if they move Lucas and replace him with another C tier free agent.

I don’t see us moving Tim unless the team completely falls part and they trade him at the deadline.

I had trading Hendriks in my off-season plan, so I’ve been open to it for a while. I think we’d looking for different things though.

Nimmo would be awesome, but who else would you consider a big contract?

The more I think about it, the more I think Hendriks gets moved. He just seems like a luxury we can’t afford at the moment and he should actually bring legit value back given what relief pitchers are going for right now. Additionally, moving him would free up some payroll and give us more flexibility to address other needs. Both the Yankees & Dodgers could use an elite closer and there is no one is his stratosphere available in free agency. And honestly, I also worry his arm is going to explode at some point next year. Basically it just makes so much sense to trade him right now even if it weakens the current state of the bullpen, assuming a quality return can be attained.

If the rumor is legit, I’d expect it to be informally announced by Monday or Tuesday. I agree with @Tnetennba that the holiday weekend may be slowing things down a bit.

Just an FYI, but Rutherford (and Adolfo) are no longer in the org.

Sounds like the Cubs may have interest.

Do you happen to know what he specifically said?

McKnight?

I just mean if your off-season is limited to reclamation projects and cheap veterans, at least go for high variance guys with actual upside.

I think his days as a 5+ win SP are long gone, but I think he can still be a 3 to 4 win pitcher if he can get his mechanics worked out. I agree, I’d be hesitant to commit big money to him at this point, but take advantage of his reasonable salary for a year and put a QO on him. I just don’t see how selling him makes us any better this year and I’m assuming no one is giving up a prospect package that is worth that trade-off.

The Sox should follow-up a Clevinger signing with a Conforto signing. Swing for the fucking the fences with your additions and hope for the best.

Giolito put up 11.3 fWAR from 2019 to 2021 over 72 starts. This ranked 7th in all of baseball. And now some people are eager to dump him after a season in which he put 1.8 fWAR and a 3.65 xFIP. You won’t find a better value for $10M next year than Lucas Giolito. He won’t be an ace, but take #2 or #3 type starter production on the cheap for a year and then place a QO on him. That’s probably the best path forward with him.

Fegan seems to imply the Sox have no interest in bringing Cueto back:

You think of our bullpen is shaky in our current form?

I think Hendriks or a different reliever is more likely to be moved if they need to clear salary. And I can’t imagine Cueto would be all that cheaper than Giolito’s $10M salary, so what are you really gaining there other than hoping a 37 year old with a sub 6 per 9 K rate can repeat his 2022 season. I wouldn’t want to bank on that.

I don’t see what signing Clevinger to trade Giolito accomplishes. You’re right back in the same spot in needing a starter and now have lost a guy who typically gives you 180 innings.

Fegan already has a piece up on the Athletic on Clevinger. It’s almost written like the deal has been agreed to. Not overly surprising, but probably the most interesting quote: