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The Chicago White Sox are having a remarkable season, which could result in their first playoff berth since 2021. At 53-46, the White Sox lead the American League Central by one game over the Cleveland Guardians (53-48), and general manager Chris Getz will need to have a solid trade deadline (Aug. 3) to separate themselves.
With needs in the starting rotation and the bullpen, the White Sox have the means to take on some money to get a deal done, so here are some pricey but realistic trade options Getz could acquire in the next 13 days.
Josh Hader | Houston Astros closer
One of the best closers in the game, Hader has shown his dominance in his handful of appearances since his activation from the 60-day injured list on June 2 after dealing with left biceps tendinitis. In 19 games since his return, the six-time All-Star has a 3-1 record with a 1.56 ERA and is 10-for-10 in his save opportunities.
Having a decent bullpen -- the White Sox are 12th in MLB in reliever ERA (3.86) -- the one area the White Sox have struggled in is the ninth inning. Compiling 27 saves in 46 opportunities (59% save percentage), adding a lockdown closer like Hader would upgrade a middling bullpen. Owed $19 million over the next two seasons, the White Sox are on a team in the buyers' market that would be willing to take on that level of cash to lessen the prospect they would need to give up. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, general manager Dana Brown would be "smart" to trade Hader.
"Astros general manager Dana Brown would be smart to explore trading Hader, even as Houston mounts a run toward a wild-card spot," wrote Passan and McDaniel. "Franchise stewardship entails understanding markets and using them to your advantage, and with teams packed so closely and in need of a differentiator, a lockdown ninth-inning arm is quite a way to differentiate."
Robbie Ray | San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Like Hader, acquiring Ray would mean the White Sox taking on a decent chunk of change. In need of a frontline starter, acquiring Ray would give the White Sox the perfect complement to right-hander Davis Martin, who has taken a step forward in his career this season. At 8-6 with a 3.33 ERA and a former Cy Young winner (2021), Ray has continued to show he's durable, making 19 starts (20 games) this season after being limited to seven starts two years ago.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, adding someone like Ray would be in their wheelhouse, as he said it would be to the White Sox's "advantage," with some teams fearing his $25 million salary.
Clay Holmes | New York Mets starting pitcher
Like Ray, who is a free agent at season's end, Holmes also will likely be a free agent after this season, unless he picks up his $12 million player option next year. Suffering a right fibula fracture in mid-May, Holmes is slated to make his first rehab start on Thursday, which will boost his trade value once he returns to the big leagues.
The White Sox have shown strong interest in the Mets two-time All-Star, sending their top scout to monitor how well Holmes is doing. Owning a 2.39 ERA, a .206 batting average against and a 1.10 WHIP before going down, Holmes would be another playoff-tested arm to help this young and inexperienced White Sox team. The one catch in a potential trade for Holmes would be the Mets agreeing on an extension, which is a possibility according to Passan and McDaniel.
"The only reason he's not higher than 90% to go is due to the possibility of him remaining in New York on a contract extension," wrote Passan and McDaniel.
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