White Sox: 1 player who boosted their trade value in spring training
By Mark Powell
If the Chicago White Sox feel confident in their catcher depth, they should trade a former top prospect.
Zack Collins used to be a prized prospect at the catcher position. Suddenly, at 26 years old, he has yet to really receive much of an opportunity. Collins’ major-league numbers leave much to be desired, but he remains a buoy of potential, and is padding his stats in spring training.
So far this spring, Collins is batting .370 in 14 games (27 at-bats) with limited power, but a team-high 1.003 OPS. While he’s confident he’ll make the MLB roster, Collins remains a clear backup at the catcher position, with the far higher-paid Yasmani Grandal taking that role in stride. Grandal is just a year removed from an All-Star appearance, and at 32 years old shows no real signs of slowing down.
Assuming Grandal’s knee is good to go for Opening Day (he rejoined the team earlier this week), then Collins is expendable.
The White Sox could include Zack Collins in a trade package
The Sox haven’t been shy about their World Series aspirations this season. Should they wish to get there, they ought to trade a young player like Collins while they have a chance. He’s nice insurance for Grandal, but he’s clearly stuck behind the 2019 All-Star. Not to mention, backup backstop is a role Jonathan Lucroy could fill rather admirably. What’s the point of having Collins on the roster when his talent is being wasted at a position of depth?
If the White Sox are smart, they won’t wait until the trade deadline to deal Collins. He’s an asset now, but the further removed we are from spring training, the less buzz will surround his name. Collins is unlikely to receive much playing time come Opening Day, even should he receive an MLB roster spot.
It’s unlikely Collins alone would fetch a big name, but he’s young enough to be included in a trade package full of MLB-ready talent.