These White Sox players could be moved at the MLB trade deadline: Reports originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
The White Sox are expected to be the top sellers in MLB by the July 30 trade deadline. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN“They’re listening to everyone.”
It appears nothing is off the table for the White Sox. Several players are expected to be traded. But Passan noted, “There’s a chance Chicago keeps one (or all) of its most valuable trade chips and moves them in the offseason.”
Either way, there is the possibility of a series of trades from the White Sox. To that end, here are the White Sox’s most likely trade candidates, according to multiple reports.
As a first-year full-time starter fresh off his first All-Star appearance, Crochet, 25, is arguably the White Sox’ best asset and therefore most likely to be traded.
Through 20 starts (107.1 innings), Crochet maintains an excellent 3.02 ERA and 0.950 WHIP. His 150 strikeouts led the major leagues to the All-Star break. He walked just 23 batters. Crochet will not become a free agent until the 2027 season, as he will be under team control until then. This season, he is earning $800,000.
But considering he’s already surpassed his career-best single-season inning mark in 53 innings, some teams are concerned about his health. To achieve this, some teams may try to lower prices, according to Passan.
According to Bob Nightengalethe Dodgers are interested in Crochet, and even the potential for a big deal including Luis Robert Jr. Kopech. Passan wrote that the Orioles could get crochet “if they wanted.”
Nightengale also noted that the Yankees “are willing to include No. 1 prospect Spencer Jones” in a trade for Crochet. He also reports that the White Sox are hoping for a bigger package from the Yankees and others, which points to GM Chris Getz’s mindset heading into a busy week.
Jon Morosi noted Tuesday, the Phillies are looking for rotation upgrades and also discussed the idea of trading for Crochet.
Luís Roberto Jr.
Robert Jr.’s value diminished early when he suffered a hip injury that left him playing just 47 games this season. Still, he’s an incredible talent when he’s on the field, with at least four elite tools.
He’s not playing phenomenally this season, batting .232 with 11 home runs and 23 RBIs. But the league should know what it’s getting with Robert Jr. if he can stay on the field.
He has four more seasons (including 2024) remaining on his contract. The final two seasons of his contract are club options, giving a potential new franchise some control should they decide to part ways with him in the future.
As mentioned above, the Dodgers are interested in making a massive trade package including the center fielder. But Passan wrote, “There is no better fit than Philadelphia and Robert,” as the Phillies are desperate for an impact center fielder as they make another run toward the playoffs.
Fedde, 31, renewed his career in the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) by winning the league’s MVP award with the NC Dinos. Upon returning to MLB, he put on an absolute clinic for the White Sox this season.
Fedde owns a 2.98 ERA and 1.113 WHIP in 20 starts (117.2 innings). This season, he is expected to bring in $7.5 million as part of the two-year, $15 million contract he signed with the White Sox last offseason. He is set to earn the same $7.5 million next season before becoming a free agent in 2026.
According to Nightengale, the Cardinals “have great interest” in Fedde. Atlético reported a week ago, the Orioles and Braves are also likely landing spots for the right-hander.
The White Sox signed Pham, 36, a few weeks into the 2024 season. Since then, he has been on fire at the plate, batting .269 with a .724 OPS, five home runs and 18 RBIs. Most impressively, he himself has crossed home plate 33 times this season.
This season, Pham is making $2.5 million with the White Sox. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, making him a strong rental option for teams in need of outfield and hitting help.
The Phillies were thought to have at least some interest in Pham, but Nightengale reported that they were avoiding him. On July 17, Jon Heyman of the NY Post reported that the Royals had some interest in Pham.
Michael Kopech
The White Sox moved Kopech, 28, back to the bullpen after two tryout seasons as a full-time starter. Kopech battled injuries and maintained his speed on the bump as a starter.
As he was relegated back to the bullpen, his velocity increased tremendously. In 42 starts this season, Kopech holds a 4.85 ERA and 1.336 WHIP. He struck out 57 batters while walking 23. He also pitched the the immaculate second entry in the franchisethrowing nine perfect pitches against the Twins.
Kopech and the White Sox avoided arbitration last offseason, agreeing to a $3 million deal for the 2024 season. He will have one more year in arbitration before becoming a free agent in 2026 again, which makes him a strong rental candidate.
Kopech is one of the pieces the Dodgers have expressed interest in making a big trade for, including Crochet and Robert Jr. Heyman reported a week ago that Kopech was also expected to find a new home by the deadline.
Some honorable mentions for White Sox players with potential to be traded include Andrew Vaughn, Paul DeJong, John Brebbia and Tanner Banks, all according to Passan.
