The Chicago White Sox have made two trades this month, yet neither has immediately strengthened their major-league roster. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the team still has time to consider additional moves. Holding a 1½-game lead in the American League Central as they prepare for Wednesday’s matchup against the New York Yankees, the Sox find themselves in a position to be potential buyers.
Manager Will Venable expressed confidence in general manager Chris Getz’s efforts, stating, “I expect the deadline to come and go, and Chris and the group to take advantage of the opportunity to improve our team, which Chris has consistently done.” Venable emphasized that Getz and his team are persistent in their pursuit of upgrades.
Catching Considerations
The Sox have struggled with offensive contributions from their catchers. Kyle Teel, one of their key players, has been sidelined with injuries, limiting him to 19 games with a .190 average and two home runs. With Teel’s injury expected to last several weeks, Edgar Quero and Drew Romo have assumed the catching responsibilities. Quero is batting .181 with two home runs, while Romo has posted a .137 average with five home runs.
Potential trade targets for catcher upgrades include Tyler Stephenson from the Cincinnati Reds and Jonah Heim from the Athletics. Stephenson has a .248 average with eight home runs, while Heim holds a .220 average with ten home runs.
Strengthening the Starting Pitchers
The Sox rotation is managing increasing workloads. Davis Martin has pitched 111 innings, nearing his career-high from last season. Sean Burke and Anthony Kay have also been logging significant innings. The rotation includes veterans and rookies like Erick Fedde and Noah Schultz, and many contenders seek pitching depth.
Among the names speculated to be linked to the Sox are Reid Detmers from the Angels and Clay Holmes from the Mets. Detmers has a 4.03 ERA with 145 strikeouts in 125 innings. Holmes, recovering from an injury, carries a 2.39 ERA in nine starts.
Exploring Relief Pitching Options
The Sox bullpen has excelled with the fourth-best ERA (2.70) in the majors since June 23. Key contributors include Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb, Bryan Hudson, and Grant Taylor. The team is also exploring internal options such as Tanner McDougal from Triple-A. José Urquidy, acquired recently, has been effective as both a starter and reliever.
With no designated closer, the Sox might look to trade for a closer. Mason Miller from the Padres is a notable name, though Miami Marlins’ Pete Fairbanks could also be considered.
Focus Amid Trade Deadline
Manager Venable noted the players’ concentration on performance rather than trade distractions. “I hear discussions about our strategies against pitchers and overall improvement,” Venable stated, expressing confidence in the team’s focus on the right priorities.
Schedule Change: The start time for the Sox’s game against the Minnesota Twins on September 6 has been moved to 5:20 p.m. It will be broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN, changing from its original 1:10 p.m. slot.