MLB rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Chris Sale and why
By Tim Boyle
These three teams should get involved in the latest MLB rumors involving Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale.
It doesn’t matter what holiday it is. MLB rumors always find a way to surprise us, even on Christmas. The latest hit the social media wire courtesy of Jon Heyman who reports the Boston Red Sox are receiving interest in starter Chris Sale.
Teams are checking on Chris Sale’s availability. Red Sox are not looking to trade any of their starters but view rotation as an area of depth and are at least willing to listen, and consider. Sale does have complete no trade clause so he can veto potential deals.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 25, 2022
One of the game’s best pitchers from 2012-2018, Sale has barely taken the field in the last three years. Post-2019 when he put together his worst season, Sale has made only 11 starts from 2020-onward. The injuries should have the Red Sox looking to deal him and at least see if they can escape from the unknown of what’s next for the aging star.
Sale is still owed another $27.5 million in each of the next two seasons plus another $20 million possibly for 2025 through a vesting option. It’s a lot of money to pay a guy on a roster that needs to retool. The Red Sox should look to make these MLB rumors come true. These three teams can help make it a reality.
1) MLB rumors: A return to the White Sox could make sense for Chris Sale
Chris Sale’s days of cutting up Chicago White Sox jerseys are a very distant memory at this point. The White Sox have undergone some major changes. We can assume Sale has matured as well.
Sale’s old stomping grounds in Chicago make sense for him because of a potential upgrade the White Sox could make in their own rotation. While the White Sox may not necessarily have a starting pitcher that would fit in with Boston’s plans, a separate deal sending Lucas Giolito or Lance Lynn elsewhere for a different kind of upgrade could give them a better-rounded roster.
The White Sox have had a questionable offseason. The addition of Andrew Benintendi into left field doesn’t move the needle. Signing Mike Clevinger for the starting staff is their chance to replicate what happened with Johnny Cueto last year.
There definitely is a risk for the White Sox to take on Sale, however, with the assumption that the Red Sox will need to eat a part of the deal, it could turn into a steal.