As the worst team in baseball, trade candidates for the Chicago White Sox are already starting to emerge in 2024. It's clear that Chicago's offseason isn't going anywhere, as long before the trade deadline, White Sox trade rumors have already begun. Surprisingly, the White Sox have quite a few viable trade pieces for a team that has been pretty bad this season.
White Sox biggest trade chips in 2024
At their current pace, the White Sox would be lucky to win 40 games. This would give them one of the worst records in MLB history. Chicago could be worse off after trading some of the team's best players.
However, the White Sox figures to be active sellers this summer, and will likely go on sale at lower prices sooner rather than later. However, let's not waste any time looking at the top trade candidates for the White Sox in 2024.
Eric Fedde
There's no doubt that Erick Fedde is Chicago's most lucrative trade chip this summer. The White Sox signed him to a two-year, $15 million deal last offseason and Fedde responded by performing at an All-Star level. Although the White Sox have won just 15 of their first 60 games, Fedde is 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA. Based on his salary, Fedde is arguably the biggest signing in baseball this year. The fact that he is also under contract for next season and won't just be a renter would make him even more valuable in a trade. Of course, the White Sox aren't ready to contend next season either, so they'll certainly take advantage of Fedde's value now and should get a big return for him.
Michael Cupich
Just like Vidi, Michael Kopech won't be a free agent until after the 2025 season, adding to his value on the trade market this summer. The former starter had an ugly record in his first year when he has been out of the bullpen since 2021. However, Kopech has improved his strikeout rate while pitching in shorter innings while also improving his control.
He even has a few saves for the White Sox this year. Kopech is unlikely to be valued as a closer, but since he is not a rental player, he would be a good addition to a team looking for depth.
Eloy Jimenez
Technically, the White Sox have a club option on Eloy Jimenez in each of the next two seasons. But as a rebuilding team, they won't exercise those options, putting the 27-year-old on the trade block. The bad news for Chicago is that Jimenez has lost some of his value amid a disappointing season. But we know from his 2022 and 2023 campaigns that Jimenez is capable of being much better than he showed.
A change of scenery that puts him in the lineup with less protection around him should be beneficial for Jimenez, so the White Sox should be able to find some suitors for him on the trade market.
Chris Flexen
The White Sox signed Chris Flexen to a modest one-year deal last winter, making him an obvious trade target. His trade value isn't exactly off the charts with an ERA of 5.19. But he had some good years in Seattle not too long ago.
Flexen is also someone who can play both as a starter and in relief. He would be a good depth piece for a contending team to acquire at the trade deadline.
Tommy fam
For the third year in a row, Tommy Pham will likely be part of a midseason trade. He joined the Red Sox in 2022 and was traded to the Diamondbacks to be part of their run to the World Series last season. Of course, his numbers aren't off the charts and you wouldn't confuse Pham for one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. But he's putting together a strong campaign and brings a lot to the table. Pham has experience and is versatile enough to play all three positions on the pitch. His bat also brings a little pop. While he's not a huge trade chip for the White Sox, there should be enough teams interested in him for Chicago to get a solid return for Pham.
