White Sox Look to Strengthen Roster Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Chicago White Sox have engaged in two trades recently, but these have not immediately impacted their major-league roster. There remains an opportunity to make strategic moves, with the trade deadline approaching on Monday. Entering Wednesday’s game against the New York Yankees at Rate Field, the Sox held a 1½-game lead in the American League Central, making them potential buyers in the market.

Manager Will Venable expressed confidence in the general manager, Chris Getz, and his team, stating, “I expect the deadline to come and go, and Chris and the group to do everything to take advantage of the opportunity to make our team better. He’s shown he can do that every step of the way.” Venable acknowledged uncertainty about specific plans but trusts Getz to work diligently toward improvement.

Key Areas for Potential Improvement

Catcher

The Sox have struggled with offensive production from their catchers, partly due to injuries. Kyle Teel has missed significant time, appearing in only 19 games due to a left ankle sprain. He is 12-for-63 (.190) with two home runs and 14 RBIs. The injury, sustained on July 20, could sideline him for six to 12 weeks. Edgar Quero and Drew Romo have taken over catching duties, with Quero hitting .181 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 58 games and Romo hitting .137 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in 41 games.

The trade market for catchers has seen a recent setback with Shea Langeliers of the Athletics suffering a torn meniscus. Available options could include Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, batting .248 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs, and Athletics’ Jonah Heim, with a .220 average, 10 home runs, and 33 RBIs over 60 games split between Atlanta and the Athletics.

Starting Pitchers

The White Sox rotation is nearing its innings limit. Davis Martin, who started Wednesday, has pitched 111 innings after achieving a career-high 142 2/3 last season. Sean Burke, scheduled to pitch Thursday, has reached 118 1/3 innings, nearing his 134 1/3 innings from last season. Anthony Kay has 103 2/3 innings following his Tuesday start, after throwing 155 innings in Japan last year. The rotation is completed by veteran Erick Fedde and rookie Noah Schultz.

There is ongoing speculation and interest in pitchers like the Los Angeles Angels’ lefty Reid Detmers, who has a 4.03 ERA with 145 strikeouts over 125 innings, and New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes, boasting a 2.39 ERA in nine starts as he returns from a right fibula fracture.

Relief Pitchers

Since June 23, White Sox relievers boast the fourth-best ERA (2.70) in the majors, allowing 38 earned runs over 126 2/3 innings with 140 strikeouts. Jordan Hicks, Sean Newcomb, Bryan Hudson, and Grant Taylor have been filling high-leverage roles. Prospects from the farm, such as right-hander Tanner McDougal, pitching from the bullpen in Triple-A Charlotte, and José Urquidy, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, could provide relief depth.

The Sox lack a designated closer, with Seranthony Domínguez seeking consistency. The San Diego Padres’ Mason Miller is an attractive closer option in the market, with multiple interested teams vying for his services.

Venable noted the team’s focus remains sharp despite the looming deadline. “I don’t hear a bunch of conversations about the deadline,” he said. “I hear conversations about how to approach the next game.”

Schedule Update

The team’s game with the Minnesota Twins on September 6 at Rate Field has a new start time, now set for 5:20 p.m. The game will air on Peacock and NBCSN, moving from an originally planned 1:10 p.m. start.