In recent baseball news, the Chicago White Sox have made two significant trades to address their outfield and left-handed hitting needs. While money often plays a pivotal role in major league team operations, these trades were driven purely by the need for talented players on the field. Let's take a closer look at these deals and how they could impact the White Sox.
The first trade saw rookie general manager Chris Getz swap 24-year-old right-hander Gregory Santos to the Seattle Mariners. In return, the White Sox acquired 25-year-old outfielder Zach DeLoach, promising pitching prospect Prelander Berroa, and the 69th pick in the 2024 draft. This trade not only addressed the need for outfield depth but also provided the White Sox with a potential closer in Berroa.
The second trade involved 21-year-old pitching prospect Cristian Mena, whom the White Sox sent to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for 26-year-old outfielder Dominic Fletcher. This deal further strengthened the White Sox's outfield options and brought in a player who has the potential to contribute for years to come.
Despite both Fletcher and DeLoach being stalled in Triple-A during their mid-twenties, these trades seem astute for a rebuilding team like the White Sox. With spring training fast approaching, the team had a shortage of outfielders on their 40-man roster, and moves needed to be made.
The White Sox did sign 11-year veteran Kevin Pillar to a minor-league contract, but after a disappointing 2023 season from Oscar Colas, who was originally intended for right field, the team needed more reliable options. The outfield position alongside Andrew Benintendi in left field and Luis Robert in center field has been a puzzle for the White Sox since Colas struggled last year.
Now, Fletcher and DeLoach have a great opportunity to compete against Colas and other non-roster invitees for the starting role in right field. Since neither player has significant service time, they have the chance to secure long-term positions in the team's outfield, potentially through 2026 or even beyond.
Fletcher, the younger brother of Braves utility man David Fletcher, has already accumulated 62 days of service time after two stints with the Diamondbacks last season. He displayed an impressive .301 batting average and a .791 OPS, while also showcasing excellent range and a strong throwing arm across all three outfield positions. Unfortunately, Fletcher found himself blocked by Arizona's surplus of outstanding outfielders.
Drafted in the second round in 2019 from the University of Arkansas, Fletcher has consistently shown his prowess as a well-rounded hitter. However, he has yet to surpass 15 home runs in a season, and he struggled against left-handed pitchers in his limited appearances last season.
DeLoach, a second-round draft pick in 2020 from Texas A&M, swiftly progressed through Seattle's minor league system. Although initially regarded as an on-base specialist rather than a power hitter, DeLoach managed to hit 23 home runs in Triple-A Tacoma last season. However, his 173 strikeouts raised some concerns about his approach at the plate and the need to refine his skills further.
Trading Santos was a surprising move for the White Sox, as he emerged as a valuable reliever in the previous season. With his impressive command of high-90s sinkers and a tight slider, Santos showcased immense potential, but his season was cut short due to elbow issues. Nevertheless, the Mariners saw past this setback and were undeterred in acquiring him.
Mena, a Dominican Republic signee, made his way to Triple-A in his age-20 season within the White Sox organization. He primarily developed as a starter, with control being the final hurdle he needs to overcome before making it to the big leagues.
Trading young pitchers like Santos and Mena is undoubtedly risky for the White Sox. However, general manager Chris Getz is aiming to build a young team that can grow together. He believes that Fletcher and DeLoach have the potential to play significant long-term roles in the team's success.
Moreover, it's essential to note that both Fletcher and DeLoach are viable options for center field as well. Luis Robert, who is guaranteed two years and controlled through 2027, holds immense trade value. If the White Sox ever decide to make him available, having Fletcher and DeLoach in the mix provides additional flexibility and depth for the team.
As the season approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these trades impact the Chicago White Sox's outfield dynamics. With promising young players like Fletcher and DeLoach joining the mix, the team possesses a strong foundation for future success. They are relying on the growth and contributions of these players to solidify their position as contenders in the league.
