Chicago White Sox News: Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly traded to Dodgers

The Chicago White Sox appear to be on the verge of completing their second major trade as they continue their sell-off ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline on August 1.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports on Friday that the White Sox are close to trading veteran starting pitcher Lance Lynn and reliever Joe Kelly to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

News of the deal between the White Sox and Dodgers comes a day after Lynn blasted his current team for their handling of the trade rumors.

While speaking with reporters before Thursday’s loss to the Cleveland Guardians, Lynn was critical of the lack of communication from the White Sox’s front office. Prior to his start against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, there were a plethora of rumors that a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays may be close.

Of course, a deal between the Rays and White Sox never materialized and Lynn now appears to be headed to the Dodgers.

The Chicago White Sox are close to making a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

There is one thing to note regarding Lynn’s criticism of the White Sox’s front office. Lynn has the right to veto a trade to one of 10 teams and it was reported that he was willing to accept a deal to Tampa Bay. If Lynn had reached the point where he was willing to accept a deal with the Rays, then it would seem that he would have had to have heard some information from the team.

For the White Sox, it is wise that they seemingly decided to package Lynn with one of their relievers in Kelly. Lynn’s trade value, given his struggles this season, is not all that high and the inclusion of Kelly will better the package that the team receives from the Dodgers.

While the Dodgers have two highly touted catching prospects, it would seem unlikely that either is involved in this deal. Infielder Michael Busch might be a name that is included in the deal for the White Sox and could be a long-term answer for the White Sox at second base.

UPDATE 1:5O PM: The trade between the White Sox and Dodgers is now completed.