White Sox Rumors: Three potential returns for Jose Abreu
Trade Package Number Two:
As aforementioned, the Rockies have been interested in Jose Abreu since his free agency almost five years ago.
Five years later, the Rockies could be in the market for a first baseman. A fringe playoff contender at 48-45, the Rockies are just 2.5 games out of first place in the National League West.
Current Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond is hitting a minuscule .223, with a -0.2 WAR. The Rockies, if they decide to buy, are certainly to be in hot pursuit of a first baseman.
Abreu would thrive in the hitter-friendly, high-altitude Coors Field. The Rockies are familiar with Abreu given their past interest, and should jump at any chance to acquire him.
106.5 off the bat, 413 ft. MASSIVE three-run pinch hit shot by Ryan McMahon. pic.twitter.com/GGJW7Z2gio
— Jake Shapiro, but festive 🎁 (@Shapalicious) June 21, 2018
Like the past trade, the White Sox would get another haul.
Leading the package is Ryan McMahon. No longer a prospect, McMahon was a Top-100 prospect going into the 2018 season.
While the 23-year old has struggled in the majors this season hitting just .211, McMahon has huge upside at first base as a power lefty bat.
If the Rockies had a place for McMahon, he’d be there now, considering Desmond’s struggles. There’s no reason to doubt that the Rockies would give him up, especially for Abreu.
The second piece of the puzzle is Peter Lambert.
The no. 88 ranked prospect in the MLB, Lambert is a 21-year old starting pitcher who has had a huge breakout season in 2018.
In 16 starts (15 in Double-A, one in Triple-A), Lambert is 9-2 with a 2.28 ERA. Lambert has walked just 12 batters in 98.2 innings — a huge selling point for a White Sox team that has really struggled with control.
Must Read: Cubs must avoid Manny Machado
Lambert would fit well right in the middle of the White Sox rotation of the future. The Rockies might be a bit hesitant to give him up, but if they view 2018 as their window to win, Lambert must be dealt.
Finally, Rockies no. 13 prospect Forrest Wall finishes off the trade. A completive balance pick back in 2014, Wall has hit .274 in 81 games split between High-A and Double-A. Wall has swiped 28 bases, and provides major upside in left field or second base.