White Sox Rumors: Three potential returns for Jose Abreu

With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline just three weeks away, trade talks surrounding White Sox superstar first baseman Jose Abreu are a hot topic. Who could Abreu be dealt to, and for what?

Season two of summer selling is on the horizon on the South Side.

Last season’s trade deadline season was headlined by an inter-city blockbuster, a five-player deal that sent star pitcher Jose Quintana to the North Side for a kings ransom, headlined by baseball’s second-ranked prospect Eloy Jimenez, and the White Sox #2 pitching prospect in Dylan Cease.

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In addition to the aforementioned headliner, Rick Hahn executed deals netting the White Sox their current seventh (Blake Rutherford), 15th (Ian Clarkin), 16th (Ryan Cordell) and 23rd (A.J. Puckett)-ranked prospects.

This time around, the trade chips may not be the same quality as last time. However, that doesn’t mean that the White Sox lack trade-able players.

Of those trade-able players, and easily the most valuable, is superstar first baseman Jose Abreu.

Recently named the starting first baseman for the American League in next week’s All-Star Game in Washington D.C., Abreu, in the midst of a career-worst slump, is hitting .253 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs in 90 games.

Despite Abreu’s recent slump, the 31-year old Cuban slugger is easily the most value of the White Sox trade chips.

Abreu, with a .295 career batting average, has a good track record, and is under contract through next season. For contenders looking for an established, power bat, there might just be no better corner infielder than Abreu.

Next: Potential Cubs trade packages for J.A. Happ

In a day and age where controllable players are at peak value, the White Sox should sell high on Abreu, and bring back a load of premier talent for the All-Star slugger.

Here’s what an Abreu trade can fetch the White Sox.