(670 The Score) The White Sox know they need more help in their bullpen, and with that in mind, they’ve been doing their research ahead of the trade deadline on Aug. 2.
The White Sox had a pair of scouts at Wrigley Field just before the All-Star break as the Cubs concluded their first half with a four-game series against the Mets. On a related note, the Cubs had one of their top talent evaluators watching the White Sox’s four-game series against the Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field over the weekend.
The Cubs have a handful of relievers who are trade candidates, led by closer David Robertson, who has a 1.83 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 35 appearances this season. Robertson played for the White Sox from 2015-’17.
“No GM in baseball, whether they are in it or not, ever feel they have enough pitching,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in speaking generally. “We are certainly not immune to that. Primarily, (we have needs) because Aaron Bummer has been absent for a while. And we hope he returns at some point, but it's not a guarantee. I think bullpen is our most obvious need.”
The White Sox have already been busy in trade discussions, Hahn said.
"We have had a bunch of conversations,” Hahn said. “Not just with us but with the scouts, coaching staff and front office. We have a lot of different ideas about certain possibilities. There are a lot of teams in contention right now. The true sellers are a little bit limited right now. And those teams may not align with what we need. It will be a fun couple of weeks toying with some different ideas in order to make this team better.”
Tigers lefty reliever Andrew Chafin (2.73 ERA in 35 appearances) is another trade candidate who could fit the bill for the White Sox as they look for bullpen help.
If the White Sox pursue help offensively, they’ll likely add a second baseman or right fielder, as those are the two positions that Hahn cited in which more production is needed. Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi is a player who could be on the White Sox’s radar in that regard. He’s hitting .317 with three homers, 39 RBIs and a .785 OPS in 90 games this season.
“If you look at the offensive and defensive performances in the first half, the results aren't what we expected out of second base and right field,” Hahn said. “(Josh) Harrison's performance and (Gavin) Sheets' production since coming back from Triple-A have improved. We will just have to wait and see.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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