The White Sox have sold their bullpen assets on the trade market in each of the past two seasons amid their rebuild, and they could choose to do the same with the 30-year-old Colome. On the flip side, they could also hold onto him, as he has been a key piece to the success that they'd achieved and is under club control through 2020.
This much is clear: Colome is already garnering ample interest. As the White Sox hosted the Royals for a three-games series earlier this week, the Cubs, Phillies, Nationals, Mets, Diamondbacks and Yankees had scouts in attendance watching. What they saw was Colome at his best, as he won and saved games Tuesday in the White Sox's sweep and then followed up with another save in his team's victory Wednesday evening. In addition to those interested teams, the it's well-known that the Red Sox are searching for a lockdown closer.
In what may turn out to be one of the best trade that they've made in recent memory, the White Sox acquired Colome from the Mariners in exchange for catcher Omar Narvaez late last November. Colome has produced a 1.59 ERA and 0.57 WHIP while converting all 11 of his save chances this season.
He's making $7.3 million in 2019, then will be arbitration eligible for 2020 before becoming a free agent ahead of the 2021 season.
"He has been really, really good," manager Rick Renteria said.
"Alex has done a great job. We have called him to the carpet a lot and especially the last few days."
It remains unclear what path the White Sox will take with Colome's future. The argument that he helps with the team's rebuild by instilling confidence in a young pitching staff has its merit. So too does the possibility of adding more young talent in a potential trade, as those prospects may be on a better timeline with the organization's young core.
The trade market for Colome could really heat up about a week from now. The amateur draft begins Monday evening, and after 11:01 p.m. CT passes that night, free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel will no longer have draft pick compensation attached as a penalty for signing him. He's expected to sign with a team in the ensuing days, and once the top option is off the market, rivals teams could turn more attention to the likes of Colome.
Renteria understands the trade interest in Colome is real and will continue to heat up.
"He has been touted for a number of years," Renteria said. "I am sure he is sought after by many. I am really glad we have him in our bullpen. I don't think about (a possible trade), because I can only control what I do on the field."