White Sox receive crystal clear MLB trade deadline warning

Imagn Images

White Sox receive crystal clear MLB trade deadline warning

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 10, 2026 3:54 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox have actually been one of the more surprising teams in baseball this season, as they find themselves firmly in contention in the AL Central after being one of the league’s worst ballclubs the previous several years.

That puts the White Sox in a rather precarious position heading into the MLB trade deadline. Should they actually buy for a playoff run? Should they sell and continue building for the future? Or should they do a little bit of both?

It’s a complicated situation for Chicago, but you have to figure that the White Sox will be more focused on the long term than anything else.

That means someone like breakout pitcher Davis Martin may very well find himself on the trade block between now and Aug. 3. He would surely drum up a lot of interest, and Chicago may be able to reap quite a return for him.

However, Noah Phalen of Southside Showdown feels that trading Martin would be a mistake.

Chicago White Sox warned to avoid trading Davis Martin

Apr 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Davis Martin (65) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Martin has gone 5-1 with a 1.64 ERA thus far this season, allowing 37 hits while registering 43 strikeouts over 44 innings of work. His 2.45 FIP is a great sign, and his sparkling 5.38 K/BB ratio is beyond impressive.

But the right-hander is 29 years old and has made a grand total of 58 appearances (51 starts) since entering the big leagues in 2022. He underwent Tommy John surgery back in May 2023, which has certainly thrown a wrench into things, but overall, Martin is still wildly unproven. That means trading him might be the White Sox’s best bet.

Still, Phalen thinks Chicago would be making a mistake, noting that Martin doesn’t have much service time under his belt.

“Because of this, Martin hasn’t accrued as much service time as a player normally would at his age, giving the White Sox more years of control,” Phalen wrote. “Martin won’t be a free agent until after the 2030 season, and he’ll be entering his age-34 season by the time he hits free agency.”

Because Martin is under club control for so many years and Chicago is closer to contention than most anticipated, Phalen feels it would be a good idea to keep him around.

“2026 may not be a contention year for the White Sox, but with the club envisioning competing in 2027 and beyond, Martin’s contract lines him up to be a part of it, and the White Sox will have him for what is likely the rest of his prime,” Phalen added.

Of course, the question is whether or not Martin’s run is sustainable. While I don’t think anyone expects him to maintain a sub-2.00 ERA, you also have to wonder if he is even really a mid-3s ERA type of pitcher based on his peripherals.

Chances are, if Chicago gets a strong enough offer between now and early August, Martin will be moved.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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