The rumor mill tends to run wild in the days and weeks leading up to the MLB trade deadline, and one of the biggest storylines of the 2016 trade season has been the potential availability of Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale.
Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball was the first to report July 22 that the South Siders were willing to listen to offers for Sale, but he won’t come cheap.
In another article on the subject, Heyman reported the team is seeking “five top prospects” in exchange for the 27-year-old Sale.
That may seem steep on the surface, but considering the return packages for Shelby Miller during the offseason and rental closer Aroldis Chapman on Monday afternoon, it’s a realistic expectation.
On top of being one of the game’s truly elite pitchers, Sale also has one of the game’s most team-friendly contracts with just $47.15 million coming his way over the next four years if all three of his team options are exercised.
Shortly after news of his potential availability broke, Sale was suspended for five games following a bizarre clubhouse incident that further shined a light on what appears to be a front office and superstar that are simply not on the same page.
Will that be enough for one of the game’s best pitchers to pack his bags in the days to come?
For a team to target Sale, it would need to have an abundance of valuable young talent and be in a position where it views Sale as the missing piece to push it over the top in its pursuit of a title now or in the very near future.
Ahead is a look at five teams with a realistic chance of pulling off a deal for Sale and a proposed trade package from each team.
Note: The Chicago Cubs undoubtedly have the young talent to make a competitive offer, but it’s hard to envision any scenario where the White Sox send the face of their franchise to their crosstown rivals. With that in mind, they have not been included.