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MLB Winter Meetings: Five biggest winners

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner agaiinst the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner agaiinst the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn speaks with the media after the White Sox traded pitcher Chris Sale (not pictured) to the Boston Red Sox on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn speaks with the media after the White Sox traded pitcher Chris Sale (not pictured) to the Boston Red Sox on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chicago White Sox

No one, and I mean no one, had a better week at the Winter Meetings than the White Sox. Entering the meetings, the biggest question surrounding the team was whether or not they’d be willing to pull the trigger on a complete gutting of the roster. Well, that question was answered emphatically.

Rick Hahn should be in the running for AL Executive of the Year even if his team loses 105 games next year for the way he handled his negotiations with the Red Sox and Nationals. He started the week off by convincing the Nationals they were close to landing Sale, giving himself a chance to see all their cards. Then, at the last second, he brought the Red Sox into the deal and got himself the best hitting prospect in baseball, Yoan Moncada. Not satisfied, Hahn returned to the Nationals and traded them Adam Eaton for an almost identical package to what was on the table for Sale.

Next: Breaking down the White Sox prospect haul

All told, the White Sox landed Moncada, three potential aces in Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Micahel Kopech, and a few lower-level prospects who are also well liked in the industry. The trades have instantly given the White Sox one of the best farm systems in the league, and they may not be done. Deals involving Jose Quintana, Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier could follow. The next two years may be painful for fans of the White Sox, but get past that, and their future is exceedingly bright.

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