White Sox closer Alex Colome, catcher Welington Castillo, right-hander Ivan Nova and outfielder Jon Jay have all been traded in the middle of a season, so they understand what comes with this time of year.
"Each guy will handle it differently," said Nova, who was traded from the Yankees to the Pirates in 2016. "If he has been in the league awhile, both the player and his family know what to expect. The first time can be tough with a wife and children moving around at the last minute."
The White Sox have received inquiries on the trade market about the aforementioned and a few others such as utilityman Leury Garcia. Manager Rick Renteria has seen this situation play out each of the last two seasons in leading the White Sox, so he has an understanding of the impact it has on players.
"I have not sat down with any of the players to talk about what possibilities are out there," Renteria said. "They are all fully aware of it. For the veterans, this is nothing new to them. I have not seen any preoccupation about the deadline, so I haven't needed to talk with anyone."
Jay doesn't find trade deadline all that daunting, choosing to see the upside instead.
"It will be an interesting week," Jay said. "I got traded last year before the deadline (from the Royals to the Diamondbacks), and there was a lot of moving parts behind the scenes with the family and all of that. A lot of times, it's a positive for a player. I tell guys that you might have a chance to go and contend for October baseball. That is what the game is really all about. The family stuff can get tricky, but it is all about going somewhere and getting a ring."
Castillo has been traded twice as a big leaguer during a season -- from the Cubs to the Mariners in May 2015 and then from the Mariners to the Diamondbacks just a few weeks later.
"We as players know how to manage the news and the rumors," Castillo said. "We understand the business side of baseball. The family is the main issue. Finding a new house, moving the wife and kids, not knowing anyone is hard on them.
"It is important to stay in the moment with your teammates. I will feel pride knowing that other teams want you and they think you can help them win. That is the game this time of the year."
Colome is the White Sox's best trade chip available, as he holds a 2.33 ERA and 0.80 WHIP and has converted 21 of 22 save chances. He also is under contract control through 2020. The likelihood of him being traded prior to the deadline next Wednesday is around 50-50, according to sources. The Phillies, Braves and Nationals are three teams evaluating the White Sox's bullpen pieces.
Others like Jay could be moved in smaller deals.
"It's nice other teams want you," Jay said. "It's fun to come to the field every day and it really matters. I will keep my head down work hard with the White Sox and see what happens."