White Sox rumors: 3 division rivals we should trade for
By Drew Koch
It’s not often you see division rivals make trades, but the Chicago White Sox should consider these three players from within the AL Central.
It’s still very early in the 2022 Major League Baseball season, but the Chicago White Sox are clearly on the playoff bubble. The team is currently without Lance Lynn and Eloy Jimenez. Garrett Crochet is also out for the remainder of the season.
But despite some early-season struggles, the White Sox are within reach of division-leader Minnesota. But some reinforcements may be necessary if Chicago hopes to repeat at American League Central Division Champions.
In fact, the White Sox might have to look within their own division in order to improve their roster going forward. Which division rivals should the White Sox target in a potential trade?
White Sox trade rumors: Andrew Benintendi
The Kansas City Royals are improving, but they’re still a year or two away from being a playoff contender. Andrew Benintendi is having a fine start to his 2022 campaign, and the Chicago White Sox should look to acquire the former Boston Red Sox outfielder.
Yes, Chicago has the likes of Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, and AJ Pollock in the outfield. There’s also young Andrew Vaughn who’s seen time in left field as well. But the White Sox could certainly use the left-handed bat of Benintendi.
The Royals outfielder is hitting .327/.393/.425 and has 18 RBIs on the season. Benintendi is also a Gold Glove Award-winning left fielder. Pollock hasn’t won a Gold Glove since 2015 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Benintendi is under team-control through the remainder of the 2022 season, so there’s no long-term commitment on the part of the White Sox. With Gavin Sheets and Yasami Grandal as the only left-handed bats in Tony La Russa‘s lineup, Chicago could definitely benefit from Benintendi’s .870 OPS against right-handed pitchers.