Chicago White Sox: Bold Predictions for Winter Meetings

Bold Prediction Number Two: The Chicago White Sox trade Jose Abreu

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Los Angeles Dodgers had “checked in” on a potential Jose Abreu trade.

I wrote about potential trade packages with the Dodgers, but as we get even closer to the Winter Meetings, the more likely I think a deal is to happen.

For one, Abreu’s contract is expiring, and at the age of 32, its unknown if the White Sox, who are only getting younger, will decide to keep Abreu around.

Abreu’s production decreased heavily in 2018. The Silver Slugger recorded career-lows in just about every hitting metric, and showed some serious lows during an All Star season.

The Dodgers just so happen to be the perfect trade partner as well. The perfect mix between having a surplus of talent at the major league level and a loaded farm system, the Dodgers and White Sox are perfect trade partners.

The White Sox, if they deal Abreu, will likely look to get major league players in return considering the current state of the rebuild.

A trade package centered around Yasiel Puig, Julio Urias and Max Muncy, Abreu’s replacement, would be an appropriate cost for Abreu.

The deal would allow the White Sox to garner at least some return for Abreu’s expiring contract, while adding his replacement, as well as filling an outfield void, and taking on an intriguing young southpaw in Urias.

The Dodgers might not be too willing to give up that much for Abreu, but if the White Sox really are buying, it’ll take a lot to pry Abreu from them. Giving up three major leaguers for one is a lot, but this deal works out great for both the Dodgers and the White Sox, and it allows the White Sox to take a shot on younger players.

Three years ago, trading Abreu would’ve been unimaginable. Now, its as real of a possibility as ever, and I really think that this is the winter where we see Jose Abreu get traded.