CUBAN STAR could be a bargaining chip in Chicago

By Juan Paez

It is true that the White Sox are dominating the American League Central Division. When looking at the five teams that make up the center of the young circuit, it is the white-legged that are the most robust and well-formed team with raw talent. But it is also true that those now led by Tony La Russa stumbled in the last two postseason series they played. Winning it all is the ultimate unfinished business on the south side of Chicago.

To do this, the White Sox must continue to feed their bases and ensure that, year after year, they maintain enough talent to keep fighting with the strongest teams in the AL. Today, Yasmani Grandal it could be a great bargaining chip to feed your farms with talented prospects and keep you looking to the future.

The main reason for this statement is the level that the Cuban receiver currently has, in addition to his contract. Grandal is among the top three catchers in Major League Baseball both for his offense and for his skills with the glove and behind the plate. And as if that wasn’t enough, his mail is accessible to any other club that wants to compete and can offer a good package of prospects.

Although it is true that he has millionaire contract in the history of the White SoxThe $18.25 million he will make in 2022 and 2023 (his final year on his contract) are affordable compared to the highest-paid players in the game.

Although the White Sox don’t have a clear replacement for a potential trade involving Grandal, this Cuban would bring immediate value to any club and his departure from Chicago could allow the White Sox to fill voids on their roster with players who can grow on the big team. .

At least that was the philosophy they applied to be able to currently count on Yoán Moncada and Michael Kopech (trade from Boston for Chris Sale), Eloy Jiménez and Dylan Cease (trade from Chicago for José Quintana) and Lucas Giolito (trade from Washington for Adam Eaton). In other words, the White Sox are not shy about getting rid of their established players in exchange for pieces for the future.

However, everything will depend on the movements of general manager Rick Hahn and the direction the team wants to take. Are they ready to get rid of the best receiver they’ve had in years taking advantage of his current status or will they want to keep him and try to win it all with Grandal on board? That is one of the dilemmas that Chicago executives may face between this and the next season of the Big Top.

Grandal is coming off playing 93 games, with a .240/.420/.520 offensive line in 375 plate appearances. He also hit nine doubles and hit 23 balls out of the park, with 62 RBIs and 60 runs scored. In the meantime, no matter what happens off the field regarding his future in the big leagues, Yasmani will have to continue to impress and build a great career wherever he sees action.