(670 The Score) Proud of his club’s tenacity but also bummed by another serious injury, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn on Thursday did his best to strike an optimistic tone as he looked forward.
"What we are dealing with is a first-place team that has overcome numerous challenges already this season,” Hahn said. “We have seen various guys stand up and do well with the opportunities that have been provided. There
does remain optimistic views that some of these players will return at some point of the season.”
Hahn’s comments came as he announced that second baseman Nick Madrigal had landed on the 60-day injured list with a torn hamstring. The team is still weighing whether Madrigal will need season-ending surgery or whether rest and rehab is the path to a recovery that could allow him to return late in the season.
Madrigal joined star center fielder Luis Robert (hip) and slugger Eloy Jimenez (pectoral) as starting position players who have suffered serious injuries and may or may not return this season. The White Sox expect to have an update of substance on the progress of Robert and Jimenez in two weeks.
Either way, the White Sox’s depth has taken a big hit, and it’s Hahn’s job to help address that. Which means that sooner than later, he’s going to begin browsing the trade market to help fortify a White Sox team that leads holds a 4.5-game lead in the AL Central entering play Friday.
“Regardless of the injuries, we were going to engage in trade talks as to how to improve the 2021 club,” Hahn said. “We always reserve the right to say no to someone when something proposed doesn't make sense in the short and long term.”
While other teams will understand the White Sox’s serious need to add depth, Hahn isn’t concerned that his club could be taken advantage of in a trade.
“I am really not too worried about that,” Hahn said. “You can always say no to any proposal. Teams know where we are at, and teams know what we are trying to do in the long term. There is no secret what the vision is for this organization both for 2021 and beyond.”
Possible trade targets for the White Sox could include Marlins outfielder Starling Marte (under contract control through 2021), Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger (through 2022) and Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier (through 2022). Each plays for a team that’s likely to be a seller.
While a fair deal of talent has ascended to the big leagues, the White Sox still have promising young pitchers in the minor leagues such as Jimmy Lambert, Tyler Johnson and Jonathan Stiever – though Lambert and Johnson have struggled early on this season. Third baseman Jake Burger, a first-round pick in 2017, is also turning heads in scouting circles with his performance at Triple-A this season.
“We have made no secret about what our aspirations are,” Hahn said of the goal of winning a World Series. “The injuries have created some obstacles for us along the way but have not changed what our hope is for the long term here.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.