MLB Rumors: 2 Trade Targets for the Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox won the AL Central division going away in 2021, but fell short in the post-season. The one "all in" move they made last season that they wished they could have back, was the trade of their young (but injured) second baseman on the rise, Nick Madrigal, to the crosstown Chicago Cubs in exchange for Craig Kimbrel. That one didn't work out so well for the South Siders. 

Whitesox fans…would you rather have Nick Madrigal, a career .300 hitter making basically nothing for the next 4 years playing a position we have no one to play or Kimbrel who accounts for 10% of our payroll. That trade def turned out like crap.

— ‘22 MVPs LaVine/Luis Robert (@GetFoul_ItWill) February 8, 2022

Kimbrel went from an untouchable closer on the Cubs, to a very hittable set-up man for the ChiSox. Nevertheless, they picked up his $16M option for 2022, but most everyone believes it was with the intention of trading him. 

The goal, of course, would be to replace that gaping hole they left at 2B. Hence, we look at two trade targets for the White Sox once the lockout is lifted:

Jean Segura

Hey, the White Sox need a second baseman, and no team needs a proven closer like the Philadelphia Phillies. As noted by Sox Machine, the Phils were 27th in team fWar for relievers. Yes, they signed Corey Knebel earlier in the offseason, but he hasn't closed in four years. Kimbrel was the best in the game before the trade deadline in 2021. 

The 31-year-old Segura has been a 2-time All-Star, has a career .285 averae, and has some pop in his bat. 

Jeff McNeil

The New York Mets have some redundancies in their roster. After signing 2B/3B Eduardo Escobar as a free agent, and the return this season of 2B Robinson Cano from a one-year PED suspension, the Mets have more than their share of second baseman. And trades are expected to be forthcoming. 

McNeil is one of the infielders that could be dealt. He fell out of favor in Queens after a mediocre 2021, but it might have been an aberration. He had proven himself to be a very productive offensive player before '21, and still owns a career .299 average and .824 OPS. The man can hit. And he's a decent-enough second baseman. And as a left-handed hitter, he fills another need.

Mets reportedly will shop McNeil. Not sure if they have interest but White Sox, needing a lefty bat, seem like a fit https://t.co/Q8rpLUopN6

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 24, 2021

Is Kimbrel the right trade bait? The Mets do have a closer in Edwin Diaz. But his consistency since taking over the role in New York has left a bit to be desired. And he becomes a free agent after the 2022 season. The Mets could look to deal him elsewhere, and bring in someone like Kimbrel to lock down the 9th in a "win now" season for them. 

If the Sox wanted to get even more adventurous, they could also try to pry Ketel Marte loose from the Arizona Diamondbacks, or they could aim lower, and look at Tony Kemp from the Oakland A's.

In summary, if the White Sox could turn back the clock, and turn Kimbrel into an answer at 2B, all would seem right on the South Side. 

Photo Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports