MLB Rumors: Surprise team emerges for White Sox SS Tim Anderson

The White Sox have a surprise suitor for a Tim Anderson trade before the deadline out of the NL East.

Though the Chicago White Sox were reportedly initially hesitant to consider trading two-time All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson ahead of the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline, that tone has now shifted and it appears that the former AL batting title winner could very well be on the move.

One of the most connected trade partners had been the Los Angeles Dodgers but, after dealing for Amed Rosario on Wednesday, that appears unlikely. But now a small-market team in the National League is reportedly entering the chat as they try to hang onto an NL Wild Card spot: the Miami Marlins.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Marlins are looking into a potential Tim Anderson trade as they look to upgrade their lineup while ranking 25th in shortstop OPS on the season. Though, as Rogers notes, that’s worse than the White Sox with Anderson, the hope is that Anderson getting a change of scenery would rejuvenate the 30-year-old and bolster Miami’s lineup.

MLB Rumors: Marlins emerge as surprise Tim Anderson trade suitor for White Sox

Anderson is in the midst of the worst season of his career, which began back in 2016 with Chicago. It’s on track to be the first season with a negative WAR in his career while also currently posting the worst OPS of hist career (.571) by a full 100 points.

Having said that, Anderson had hit above .300 in each of the previous four seasons prior to this year when, admittedly every wheel that the White Sox were rolling on has fallen off. That’s the type of upside that the Marlins would be betting on, recognizing the talent and thinking a move might not just help their team but the player as well.

Anderson has just a club option ($14 million) for the 2024 season remaining on his contract before he’ll be a free agent again. With the White Sox selling massively and having already traded two big chips in Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez to the Angels, the Marlins know that Anderson won’t be cheap. At the same time, their stockpile of young pitching could afford them plenty of breathing room to give Chicago what they want while improving their own playoff chances.

The Marlins entered Thursday just 0.5 games back of a wild card spot in the National League, which has become an exceedingly crowded race. To keep the pace, making a splash like trading for Anderson might not just be helpful but necessary as well.