Chicago White Sox: 5 players who should be traded prior to MLB Trade Deadline

By Dan Schmelzer | Jul 3, 2017

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 30: Melky Cabrera #53 of the Chicago White Sox hit a game winning, two run, walk-off single in the 9th ininng against the Texas Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 30, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Rangers 8-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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Tommy Kahnle Chicago White Sox

CHICAGO, IL – JULY 28: Tommy Kahnle #48 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Chicago Cubsat Wrigley Field on July 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the White Sox 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Tommy Kahnle, RP

Now, this is an interesting one. The first two players mentioned are veterans who do not make any sense for the Chicago White Sox in the long term. That being said, Tommy Kahnle has been a dominant relief pitcher this season, is only 27-years-old and is under team control for three more seasons after 2017. He could easily be a significant part of the White Sox’ rebuild.

That being said, trading him undoubtedly could make some sense for the Chicago White Sox. Kahnle has been incredible this season, posting a 2.30 ERA in 31.1 innings pitched. Kahnle’s 1.26 FIP shows that he has been better than his already strong ERA suggests. A 2.30 ERA suggests a good relief pitcher, Kahnle has been dominant.

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The main reason for his success is pretty simple. Kahnle is striking everybody out and is not walking many batters. His 43.1% strikeout rate is absolutely incredible (FanGraphs), and there is a lot to like about his minuscule 5.7% walk rate. Kahnle has been absolutely dominant and is not showing any signs of slowing down.

The White Sox could easily keep Kahnle around and make him a centerpiece in their bullpen. However, they should at least shop him around the league and see what happens. It is easy to see how a dominant, hard-throwing bullpen arm with three years of team control could command a lot of attention on the trade market. Contenders looking for a bullpen arm may be more willing to give up more in a trade for a guy like Kahnle.

If the White Sox make Kahnle available, they could end up getting a significant return for him. He has been fantastic this season, but bullpen arms are volatile. He could just as easily take a step back in 2018 and beyond. Selling him now, when his value is the highest makes the most sense. If they don’t get an offer they are happy with, keeping him is not a bad option either.

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