White Sox may want to shop this former All-Star at the deadline
The most coveted seat at the MLB All-Star Game could be the one next to Chicago White Sox GM Rick Hahn. MLB executives should eagerly bend his ear because the White Sox (37-50) are in fourth in the AL Central and could be major sellers with the trade deadline approaching Aug. 1.
With White Sox trade candidates Lance Lynn, Yasmani Grandal, Liam Hendriks, Mike Clevinger and Lucas Giolito, Hahn can make a team's World Series quest come true. Meanwhile, he could use the opportunity to cut payroll and stock his farm system.
Hahn's biggest bargaining chip may be two-time All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson Jr., whom CBS Sports put 13th on its trade candidates list Wednesday.
Anderson's six-year contract is nearing an end. The White Sox have one last club option year in 2024 for $14M. In a recent interview, Anderson seemed neutral on remaining with the team.
“I understand the business,” he said. “If they want to keep me, then cool. And if they don’t, then cool either way."
At 30 years old, Anderson is having by far his worst career year. In 251 at-bats, he is slashing .235/.273/.552. He is on pace for zero home runs, 27 RBI, 59 runs and 130 hits. His slash line starkly contrasts with his past premium productivity and is a blemish on his career. His only hope of regaining his All-Star-level reputation probably is a change of scenery with a productive team.
Several teams fit the criteria to acquire Anderson. Each has the money, moveable prospects and is doing well enough in the standings to make the playoffs.
The Miami Marlins (50-37) are in contention for the top Wild Card spot in the NL. With a minus-8 run differential, they need to punch up their offense to be a serious contender. The Marlins are also struggling at shortstop, which has yielded lackluster offensive performances all season.
Anderson would be a rental in Miami for a season, possibly two, as the Marlins are not known for spending big money on free-agent players. A package of SS Yiddi Cappe (A+), infielder Xavier Edwards (AAA) and LHP Josh Simpson (AAA) should be enough for the White Sox to deal Anderson.
The Cubs (39-45) might also be interested. The NL Central is still anybody's division, and Anderson could be the piece that moves the Cubs into position for the postseason. A deal to the Cubs would require him to move over to third base, taking over for the poor-hitting Patrick Wisdom (.194).
If Anderson finds his offensive game, he could help power a Cubs offense with Wisdom at DH, where he can more effectively use his power. A Cubs offer of first baseman Jared Young, C Miguel Amaya and right-handed pitching prospect Ben Brown (AAA) should be sufficient to get a deal done.
Lastly, the Dodgers would be an excellent landing spot for Anderson. Los Angeles (47-38) is holding down the second NL Wild Card spot and flirting with the division lead in the NL West. Anderson would thrive in the Dodgers lineup and be a tremendous upgrade over Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas at shortstop.
Anderson's ability to get on base and around the bases, coupled with the Dodger's power production, would be the catalyst for a trip deep into the playoffs. The Dodgers have plenty of expendable players in the farm system to buy them another World Series, including 2B Jorbit Vivas (AA) and C Dalton Rushing (A+).
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