Pitching is always a priority for contenders at the trade deadline.
And the Chicago White Sox could have plenty to offer.
While the Sox just completed one of their best series of the season, taking two of three from the Atlanta Braves, they have not been able to dig themselves out of the destructive 7-21 start to 2023.
The Sox, who begin a three-game series Tuesday against the New York Mets at Citi Field, are 15 games under .500 at 40-55. They are in fourth place in the American League Central, 8 1/2 games behind the division-leading Minnesota Twins.
That’s led to speculation they will be selling as the Aug. 1 trade deadline approaches. Here’s a look at some of the possible sought-after hurlers.
Lucas Giolito had a disappointing 2022. He’s returned to form this season, ranking in the top 15 in the AL in categories such as ERA (11th, 3.45), strikeouts (10th, 117), innings (tied for 11th, 112 1/3) and WHIP (15th, 1.14).
The right-hander, who received AL Cy Young Award votes from 2019-21, has been the team’s most consistent starter. He’s 3-1 with a 2.76 ERA, a .186 opponents average and 53 strikeouts in his last eight starts.
Those types of numbers draw attention from other teams.
“I made it clear I want to be here,” Giolito said after his most recent outing on July 9.
Giolito allowed two runs on two hits in seven innings that day against the St. Louis Cardinals at Guaranteed Rate Field. Given the trade chatter, it would have been understandable for Giolito to take in the moment at the place he’s called home the last seven seasons.
“I can’t think like that,” he said. “That kind of thinking is what will get me all messed up. (I have to) stay with the same mindset I’ve had.”
Giolito, slated to start Tuesday, is a free agent at the end of the season.
The Sox have an $18 million option for 2024 with a $1 million buyout for fellow starter Lance Lynn. The right-hander’s 6.06 ERA is the third-highest in the majors. And he’s allowed 24 home runs, the most in the big leagues.
But, as was evident in his record-tying performance on June 18 in Seattle, Lynn is also racking up the strikeouts. He’s fifth in the AL with 133 and is fourth in strikeouts per nine innings pitched (11.05). Lynn matched the franchise record with a career-high 16 strikeouts against the Mariners.
His 20 first-inning runs are the most in baseball. But he’s found ways to navigate and remain in games, ranking 14th in the AL with 108 1/3 innings.
“Every time he pitches we can almost count on 100-plus pitches if we need them,” Sox manager Pedro Grifol said July 6. “His presence, maturity, experience, understanding of what the club needs every single day he pitches is critical for what we need to do.”
Lynn has plenty of postseason experience, appearing in 27 playoff games (eight starts) over the course of his career. Giolito has two postseason starts, including the fantastic Game 1 outing against the Oakland Athletics in the 2020 AL wild-card series when he allowed one run on two hits in seven innings.
Joe Kelly had a bullpen session Sunday in Atlanta and will be eligible to return from the injured list during the Mets series.
The right-hander went on the IL July 5 with right elbow inflammation. He has a 4.82 ERA, one save, 10 holds and 37 strikeouts in 29 appearances.
At his sharpest, Kelly had a 10-game scoreless streak from April 30-May 23.
The 12-year veteran has pitched in 40 playoff games, and won the World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
Kelly signed a two-year deal as a free agent last season, with the Sox holding a $9.5 million option for 2024 with a $1 million buyout.
The Sox signed Keynan Middleton as a minor-league free agent this offseason. He joined the big-league team on April 10 and has been a reliable force out of the bullpen.
The right-hander has a 3.00 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 13 walks in 35 appearances.
Middleton is someone who can pitch one-plus inning, which teams might find attractive. He’s also been called upon for outs in the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth. That versatility is a bonus.
Discussing the trade deadline in general terms earlier this month, Sox general manager Rick Hahn said “we’ve got big decisions to make by Aug. 1.” Time will tell how it all plays out.
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