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Chicago White Sox news: Possible deal at hand for David Robertson?

By Carlos Nazario

Jul 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher David Robertson (30) throws against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago White Sox continue their rebuild. Reports have it that they are close to a deal with the Washington Nationals for closer David Robertson.

The Chicago White Sox had a busy offseason. General manager Rick Hahn traded away one of the top pitchers in the major leagues, Chris Sale, then he traded outfielder Adam Eaton. At the recent SoxFest, Hahn said that the team is still looking to solidify the team. That would include more trades.

Now word is that there is a possible deal on the horizon. No, it’s not Jose Quintana. He’s still on the roster…for now.

Ken Rosenthal reported that the White Sox are in discussions with the Washington Nationals involving closer David Robertson.

“The Nats continue to discuss a trade with the White Sox for closer David Robertson, according to major-league sources. Robertson is owed $12 million this season and $13 million next season, creating an all-too-typical Nats obstacle. The team does not want to absorb Robertson’s entire obligation, and does not want to move additional prospects after parting with three young pitchers for Eaton, sources say.”

The Nats have lowered their payroll dramatically over the past two seasons. They had the fifth-highest payroll in MLB in 2015, then it was the 11th-highest last season. So far this season, their roster projects to be the 13th-highest. They also gave up some of their top prospects in the Eaton deal.

The Sox may need to eat up part of Robertson’s contract. In the Chicago Cubs’ rebuild, they needed to eat up a lot of money in salaries. Down the road, however, it frees them up to make more moves.

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The White Sox could take advantage of the Nats’ situation. The Nats need to go further in the playoffs. They have one of the top players in baseball in Bryce Harper who becomes a free agent after the 2018 season. They need to show their commitment to fielding a winning team, or he will bolt. Their desperation could help speed up the Chicago White Sox’s rebuild program.

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