Chicago White Sox get bold MLB trade deadline prediction

Early in the season, many wondered if Chicago might trade slugger Munetaka Murakami at the MLB trade deadline if they were out of contention. The fact of the matter, though, is that Murakami is too valuable to the White Sox. Even though he is going to be out for about a month with a strained hamstring, Chicago has plenty of talent to remain competitive.

To take the next step, though, they made need to add a big name, whether it be a bat or pitcher, at the MLB trade deadline. Per Bleacher Report:

“Their Opening Day 26-man payroll was $86M, but their average Opening Day payroll between 2022 and 2023 was $187M. And unless you want to count the $2M buyouts they’ll owe Seranthony Dominguez and Anthony Kay for their mutual options in 2028, they presently do not have a single contract figure on the books beyond next season.

“It’s why I’ve suggested several times in the past two months that if Mike Trout is getting traded anywhere, the White Sox might make the most sense.

“Or if they have an opportunity to add an established-but-pricy starting pitcher to a rotation presently devoid of household names, the dollar cost shouldn’t be the problem.”

As can be seen above, Mike Trout is a name that, if he is available on the trading block, could make a ton of sense for the White Sox. They have struggled to field consistent outfielders outside of Tristan Peters, and Trout is finally having a fully healthy season (knock on wood).

To date, Trout is hitting .242/.410/.488 with 14 home runs and 31 RBI. He also leads the Major Leagues in walks (57) and the American League in runs scored (45).

There is a risk, though. Trout is under contract through the 2030 season, a year that will see him turn 38 years old. He does not hit for as high of an average as he used to, but still gets on base at a high rate.

Of course, the White Sox also could look to add a big-name starting pitcher instead. Tarik Skubal is likely going to be dealt, but he is a free agent at the end of this season and will likely cost prospects Chicago is not willing to give up.

Indeed, it will be interesting to see what the White Sox do at the deadline if they are still in contention for a postseason spot.