The worst team should have the best sale.
The White Sox are the latest awful team to challenge the 1962 Mets’ modern record for futility and their infamously all-time bad 40-120 record. And with have a surprising number of coveted veterans, the Chisox have an excellent chance to get even worse at the deadline.
Here’s a list of sale pieces.
1. Garrett Crochet, LHP
Every contending team has interest in the reliever-turned-starter, and though he’s already flown past his previous innings high, teams love the arm and potential (the Yankees are among them). It’s uncertain how many innings are left in his big arm, but teams are willing to find out.
2. Luis Robert, CF
The Dodgers, Mariners, Giants, Royals and others could use the former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner. He also has years to go (3 ¹/₂ at $62 million assuming his two $20M team options are exercised). One rival GM guesses he has an even better chance of going than Crochet.
3. Erick Fedde, RHP
His return from Korea has been a success, and he’s good enough to help most contenders, at least in the regular season. Another good contract situation: He’s in the first year of a two-year, $15M deal.
4. Tommy Pham, OF
Several teams are said interested in Pham., who played CF before Robert returned. As one rival exec said, “He can hit.” He’s also a player who can spice up a clubhouse, and that $3M contract is more than reasonable. The Royals have interest, but he’d fit many teams.
5. Michael Kopech, RP
Though he hasn’t thrived as a closer, he has a big arm.
6. Paul DeJong, SS
The Dodgers seem content to go with Miguel Rojas for now at short and don’t have to worry about the division even with Mookie Betts out two months. But there should be takers for DeJong, a good defender with power and another reasonable deal ($1.5M for 2024).