Fansided

Top 25 tradeable pieces to keep an eye on this season

By Joshua Sadlock

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 19: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox hits an RBI single against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 19, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 19: Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox hits an RBI single against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 19, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

3. Jose Abreu

The rebuilding effort continues for the Chicago White Sox, and the front office has not completely exhausted its stockpile of trade chips. All-Star first baseman is having one of the best years of his career since winning the AL Rookie of the Year in 2014 with a .317/.383/.581 line and 36 homers and 107 RBI. Abreu led the AL in total bases last year and leads the major leagues in doubles this year while continuing to hit for a high average.

Despite the fact that the White Sox have stripped their lineup down to the studs, nothing has stopped Abreu from putting up his steady numbers. When the regular season comes to an end, you can pencil him in for 30-35 homers, close to 100 RBI and a slash line in the neighborhood of .300/.350/.500 without too many strikeouts. He is this year’s answer to J.D. Martinez — a fairly no-frills slugger with all of his value tied up in his very capable bat.

The White Sox still have until 2020 with Abreu, but they should not waste any more time before pulling the trigger on a trade if a good offer comes along. That he was not traded in the initial wave of the teardown leaves more questions than answers. Abreu’s contract situation was just as favorable as those of Chris Sale, Adam Eaton and Jose Quintana. Perhaps the thinking is that Abreu could still be the anchor of the lineup when things turn for the better. He is in his age-31 season and his age will prevent him from going for a massive contract when he hits the open market.

Chicago still looks two or three years away from being ready to challenge in the AL Central. By that point, Abreu will be past his prime. As valuable as he has been during his time with the team, the first baseman is best used as a chip to bring in more prospects for the future.

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