White Sox: Chris Sale Trade Market Getting Tighter

Trade market for White Sox best player getting tight as teams are falling out due to high trade demands. The pale hose could still find a suitor for its All-Star starting pitcher.

The trade market for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale has gotten tighter with two teams reportedly dropping out of the race. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are out on adding Sale.

Rosenthal also added the Los Angeles Dodgers are focused on adding free agents, not making trades. However, the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals are still interested in Sale. According to Rosenthal, the Red Sox are open on Sale at a lower asking price.

The Nationals according to David Adler at MLB.com continue to be involved in trade talks with the Sox regarding Sale. This is interesting because the Nationals are also reportedly in trade talks with the Pirates over centerfielder Andrew McCutchen.

Sources: #Nationals remain in talks with #WhiteSox on Sale and #Pirates on McCutchen. #RedSox open on Sale, but only at lesser asking price.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 3, 2016

The Sox reportedly have a high asking price for Sale, and justifiably so. Sale is one of the better pitchers in MLB, and has been for the past four years. Along with Sale’s dominance over the last five seasons, he has a extremely team-friendly contract for a pitcher of his caliber. With $38 million and three years remaining on his current contract, the Sox should undoubtedly seek a high return in exchange for Sale.

The high asking price by the Sox will scare some teams off, but this franchise can’t afford to trade Sale for less than market value. With a weak free agent class for starting pitchers, the Sox have the advantage with Sale on the trading block. The Winter Meetings begin on Sunday night, and this could be the final days of Sale being with the Sox.

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