White Sox Have One Clear Trade Deadline Priority

Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

White Sox Have One Clear Trade Deadline Priority

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Kelson | Last updated Jun 23, 2026 1:04 PM ET

The MLB trade deadline is just six weeks away, and to the surprise of many, the Chicago White Sox will likely be buyers this time around.

After walking off the Cleveland Guardians in thrilling fashion on Monday night, the White Sox are now tied for first place in the American League Central. However, one issue resurfaced once again during the game and has lingered all season: the bullpen.

Chicago held the lead twice on Monday, but the bullpen couldn't protect either advantage and needed Sam Antonacci's ninth-inning heroics to pull out the win. The biggest culprit was offseason signing Seranthony Dominguez, who blew his fifth save in 17 opportunities and saw his season ERA climb to 4.45.

The White Sox have three reliable late-inning arms. Left-handers Bryan Hudson and Sean Newcomb both own ERAs under 3.00, while Grant Taylor has pitched to a 3.05 ERA despite allowing three runs on Monday.

Beyond those three, though, it's difficult to identify another reliever Chicago can trust with the game on the line. That makes the need for a proven closer even more glaring.

Dating back to May 10, Seranthony Dominguez has been put in 7 save situations. The results:

6.1 innings
9 runs
8 earned runs
3 blown saves
12 hits
5 walks
11.37 ERA
2.79 WHIP

Might be a good idea for the #WhiteSox to stop putting him in that spot. pic.twitter.com/jXT0WOB7J0
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) June 23, 2026

The top reliever available at this year's deadline is Aroldis Chapman, who remains one of baseball's most experienced late-inning arms. The veteran left-hander is enjoying another excellent season with the Boston Red Sox, posting a 2.08 ERA over 21.2 innings while converting 14 of his 15 save opportunities.

Chapman has a vesting/mutual option for next season that is expected to be declined, making him an attractive rental for contenders. His postseason experience and strong production should create a competitive market and drive up his price.

If Chapman proves too expensive, Chicago could explore other options. Garrett Whitlock, Chapman's teammate in Boston, would be an intriguing fit. St. Louis Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien, New York Mets left-handers' A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley, and Detroit Tigers veteran Kenley Jansen also bring late-inning experience and could strengthen the White Sox bullpen.

Chicago also has several interesting internal options. Pitching prospects Tanner McDougal, Hagen Smith, and Mason Adams continue to knock on the major league door. David Sandlin also made a brief appearance before returning to the minors. While each has developed as a starter, all could provide a boost in relief during the second half.

What the White Sox have accomplished is hard to believe. After three straight 100-loss seasons, they suddenly find themselves in position to win the American League Central.

Many people still refuse to take them seriously because of their recent history. But as Colson Montgomery recently said, "You should stop thinking of us as a surprise."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: