Before we all take some much-needed time off to relax with friends and family this Thanksgiving, let’s get caught up on notable White Sox storylines from the last week.
White Sox would “love to” trade Luis Robert Jr.
In his pre-Thanksgiving column, Bob Nightengale of USA Today said that Chris Getz and Co. would “love to” trade Luis Robert Jr. before dealing Garrett Crochet this offseason. Rumors surrounding Robert Jr. have been relatively quiet this offseason thus far, though could pick up steam with the Winter Meetings just a couple of weeks away.
“Unidentified team” aggressive suitor for Garrett Crochet
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, an unidentified club has emerged as a “very aggressive” suitor for the White Sox left-hander. While the Red Sox reportedly still view Crochet as an “attractive option,” the organization has been quiet in trade talks lately as their current focus is on free-agent outfielder Juan Soto.
“Meanwhile, the [Red] Sox have been quiet of late in the trade talks surrounding the Chicago White Sox’ Garrett Crochet, according to an industry source. Another unidentified team has emerged as “very aggressive” with the White Sox in recent days, though it’s believed the Red Sox still view the lefthander as an attractive option.”
“Pay really close attention” to Boston in Crochet sweepstakes
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi followed McAdam’s report on Wednesday saying to pay “really close attention” to the Red Sox during the ongoing discussions. Boston has plenty of young prospects that the White Sox would be looking for in a potential swap.
“Garrett Crochet trade-wise, pay really close attention to the Boston Red Sox. They’re the team that, they have the prospects, especially if they don’t get a [Corbin] Burnes or if they don’t get a [Max] Fried. And we’ll see how things play out with Juan Soto. You think about the Red Sox and how disappointing this past season was, they need to make a massive move here.”
The news isn’t particularly surprising, especially since the Red Sox have long been viewed as one of the strongest suitors in the race. Despite some believing outfielder and top prospect Roman Anthony to be off-the-table, it’s been rumored that Marcelo Mayer or Kristian Campbell could also be potential headliners in a deal. Morosi backed up this claim, saying the White Sox may prefer to get prospects who haven’t debuted yet to better align with their future contention window.
White Sox, Phillies discussed Bohm, Crawford in Crochet trade talks
Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently expanded on the Phillies’ interest in Crochet, going so far as to name Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford as two players who have been discussed as part of what he calls “extensive trade talks.”
“They have spoken about Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford in extensive trade talks with the Chicago White Sox for starter Garrett Crochet, but the White Sox are concerned with Bohm’s struggles the second half, posting a .681 OPS with just four home runs.”
White Sox tender contracts to Vaughn, others
The White Sox announced on Friday that Andrew Vaughn would be among the players tendered a contract before the 7 p.m. CT deadline. Along with the first baseman, pitchers Garrett Crochet, Justin Anderson, and Steven Wilson also received contracts.
Vaughn, 26, is projected to earn $6.4 million in arbitration, though his low defensive value and overall lack of production have raised questions over whether he deserves that amount. After all, he slashed .246/.297/.402 with a .699 OPS in 619 plate appearances, yielding a 97 wRC+ and -0.2 fWAR in 2024. It was a step back for a second-straight season as the former third overall pick in 2019 continues to distance himself from the lofty expectations originally placed on him.
It appears now that rather than looking for Vaughn’s replacement, the White Sox will allow Director of Hitting Ryan Fuller to test his luck at mechanical fixes. For more on the moves, read our recent article here.
White Sox non-tender Sheets, De Los Santos
Two players who found themselves on the opposite end of the spectrum were first baseman/outfielder Gavin Sheets and right-hander Enyel De Los Santos. Both were non-tendered by the White Sox, becoming free agents.
Sheets, 28, also could have factored into the mix but he is now out of the equation. In 139 games, the former second-round draft pick slashed just .233/.303/.357 with 10 home runs, 45 RBI, an 88 wRC+, and -0.9 fWAR. Though he could be considered valuable as a situational lefty bat, his poor offensive output in 2024 diminished that notion and has led him to the open market.
De Los Santos, 28, had a projected $1.7 million salary for 2025. He appeared in 15 games with the White Sox this year after being claimed off waivers from the Yankees on August 17. In that stretch, he posted a 3.63 ERA with nine walks, 13 strikeouts and one hold.
Former White Sox first-rounder Nick Madrigal non-tendered
Former White Sox Nick Madrigal has entered the free agent market after getting non-tendered by the Cubs.
In 51 games this past year, Madrigal slashed .221/.280/.256 with no home runs, 10 RBI, and a -0.7 fWAR. He most recently suffered a fracture in his left hand after being hit by a Triple-A pitch in June, which sidelined him for the rest of 2024. Madrigal was projected to earn $1.9 million in 2025 and had two years left of control, though he’ll now be testing his luck in the free-agent market.
White Sox announce revamped SoxFest Live
SoxFest is returning with a new name, location, and format.
Touted now as “SoxFest Live,” the gathering will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 24-25 at the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. The event is scheduled to run from 5-9 p.m. CT on both evenings, with an hour-long after-party planned as well.
General admission tickets for Friday and Saturday are listed on the team’s website at $56, with a premium package labeled as the MVP Experience priced at $225. The upgrade buys fans early entry to view the White Sox Black Carpet welcoming attendees ahead of the event, access to a premium lounge area, photo opportunities, a private meet and greet session, light appetizers, and four lower-level tickets to a select 2025 White Sox home game.
For more information, read our recent article or visit whitesox.com/SoxFestLive.
White Sox hiring for several ‘Day of Game’ positions
If you are interested in a part-time “Day of Game” position with the White Sox, click here to view the available roles.
Sox On 35th Podcast: Episode 71
Duke Coughlin, Jordan Lazowski, and Nik Gaur are back to discuss the latest news in White Sox baseball.
They start by discussing the hiring of Ryan Fuller as Director of Hitting and what that means for the organization’s philosophical approach to hitting moving forward. Later, they discuss the “new and improved” SoxFest and what would attract them to the event this time around.
Finally, the crew discusses some White Sox transactions, bidding farewell to Gavin Sheets, welcoming Austin Slater, and breaking down what is likely Andrew Vaughn’s last shot in a South Side uniform.
Tune in for a packed show!
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more White Sox news and updates!
Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
