Possible Red Sox trade deadline acquisition No. 4: Lucas Giolito
With Chris Sale going down for an unknown period of time, it would be foolish to believe this rotation is still playoff-caliber. While most teams would hold onto a coveted starting pitcher, we have to remember that the White Sox are a franchise that is very bullish when it comes to spending money. In fact, the five-year, $75 million deal Chicago gave to Andrew Benintendi this offseason was the largest contract in franchise history.
It’s crazy to think about considering we routinely see big young stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wando Franco earn 200-plus million dollar deals over the offseason. By all means Giolito has had a positive performance on a deeply disappointing and struggling White Sox team. The 28-year-old has a 3.74 in 13 starts this season, most recently coming off a stellar six no-hit inning performance at Yankees stadium.
A decision deadline awaits the White Sox, who currently have several UFAs that will likely be traded if they remain under .500. It’s a strong possibility we could see Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, and Tim Anderson all no longer wearing a White Sox uniform by the end of this season.
Possible Red Sox trade deadline acquisition No. 5: Tyler O’Neill
What a season it’s been for Tyler O’Neill, who has yet again struggled with staying healthy. The beginning of the season was highlighted by O’Neill’s feud with Manager Oliver Marmol for “not meeting the standard (of hustling)” while being gunned down at home plate by Braves superstar Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
O’Neill is slowly evolving into a non-everyday player in this St. Louis lineup, a role that is underwhelming for the former slugging outfielder. We often forget O’Neill was incredible in 2021, hitting 34 home runs and slashing a 144 wRC+, leading the Cardinals to a wild card appearance in October. Though 2022 was a year plagued by injuries, O’Neill was still above-average offensively, hitting for a 101 wRC+ with 14 home runs. Considering St. Louis is below .500 and O’Neill is currently unhappy with Oliver Marmol, the 27-year-old would be a perfect buy-low candidate for the Red Sox. He’s undoubtedly deserving of a spot in an outfield that severely lacks depth, especially in light of the recent DFA of Raimel Tapia.
Regardless of the move they make, the Red Sox must add additional roster pieces if they are at all interested in contending for a playoff run. It’s a frustrating reality to accept considering this wouldn’t be the case if the Red Sox were in almost any other division. But this is the AL East, the undisputed best division in baseball. In order to contend, each team must go above and beyond to overtake their competition.