The Chicago White Sox are in free fall, while the Atlanta Braves need pitching help. A Lucas Giolito trade makes a lot of sense.
As much as fans on Chicago's south side would prefer otherwise, the White Sox are clear sellers this season. The young Sox core of just a few years ago is set to hit free agency, and they never really lived up to expectations.
Chicago made the postseason in the shortened 2020 campaign. They even won the AL Central in 2021, with some pundits picking them to make a World Series leap the next year. That never came to fruition, and now it's time to clean house.
With that in mind, several of their pitchers are in contract years, including Lucas Giolito and Mike Clevinger. Giolito is the more talented of the two right now, as he has a 3.59 ERA heading into Sunday's start against the Houston Astros.
What a White Sox-Braves trade for Lucas Giolito looks like
Giolito is a sure bet to be dealt prior to the deadline barring a magical White Sox turnaround. FanSided MLB Insider Robert Murray agrees:
"While Cease is unlikely to be traded, it would hardly be surprising to see Giolito moved in July. He's in a contract year and has bounced back after a down 2022 season, posting a 3.59 ERA and 50/11 strikeout-to walk ratio in eight starts."
Any trade for Giolito would come at a discount because he's likely to be a rental. Still, though, the Braves need pitching bad, and that desperation could lead to an overpay. Here's what a deal for Giolito might look like:
Grissom is listed as a shortstop, but he could play second base or even the outfield if called upon. Designated hitter is also an option. Given the White Sox already have Tim Anderson at short, Grissom's flexibility is appreciated.
Schwellenbach is the Braves No. 7 prospect, and sixth-best pitching prospect. He's nearing the bigs and could contribute out of the bullpen this year or next. David McCabe has struggled a bit at the lower levels, but if he can ever harness his power, he has MLB potential as a depth piece.
This is a decent package for Giolito on an expiring deal. From Atlanta's perspective, Giolito can be a top-tier starter on their pitching staff at his best. Should they make the postseason, he'll earn one of the first three starts.