As Opening Day quickly approaches, the Chicago White Sox still have multiple trade assets who have yet to be dealt.
As the White Sox look to add more young talent to their rapidly growing farm system, the team is expected to deal from their glut of veterans. Jose Quintana, David Robertson, Todd Frazier, Melky Cabrera and others could all be had for the right price.
While Quintana has been getting the most hype among the team’s trade pieces, it appears another White Sox is beginning to draw interest.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times recently wrote an article detailing ten things to know about the Rays entering the 2017 season. Inside that article he wrote:
The Rays are looking to add another right-handed bat, possibly a shortstop (with Beckham going back to the planned utility role before Duffy’s setback) but most likely an outfielder, even better if he can back up in center and has options. Finding one to check all boxes will be hard, so expect to hear lots of names, from Bryce Brentz, Peter Bourjos, Austin Jackson, Rob Refsnyder and Justin Ruggiano to even ex-mate B.J. Upton if dumped by Toronto. If they get one, that could force the decision for a utility infield spot between out-of-options Nick Franklin and promising prospect Daniel Robertson. If they don’t, Michael McKenry could be in the mix as the extra bat.
According to Topkin, the Tampa Bay Rays are interested in acquiring White Sox center fielder Peter Bourjos.
Bourjos has been in the MLB for the past seven seasons playing for the Angels, Cardinals and Phillies. He has hit .243 with 37 home runs, 149 RBIs and 61 stolen bases over 713 major league games.
Bourjos was expected to backup prospect Charlie Tilson in center field to begin the season. However with Tilson now injured, it appears as if Bourjos will begin the year as the White Sox starter in center; assuming he isn’t moved.
The 29 year old had an impressive Spring Training, hitting .333 with three triples. Tampa Bay certainly took notice and is now showing interest in the White Sox outfielder.
What Would It Cost?
Before even getting into Bourjos fit on the Rays, it’s important to note just how much the South Siders could fetch for the outfielder.
White Sox fans have been spoiled by the Chris Sale and Adam Eaton trades. The team was able to acquire four top prospects in Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez. Add in the potential prospects Chicago will get from a Jose Quintana trade and the White Sox are set to have one of, if not the best farm system in the MLB.
However Bourjos will not getting the Sox a top 100 prospect. In fact the team would be lucky to get a prospect that’s ready to contribute in the next three years.
Yes he is having a great Spring and yes he is only 29, but he is unproven. He has been unable to sustain consistent success at the MLB level. Of course 2017 could be the year that all changes, but Tampa Bay isn’t going to give up top prospects for an outfielder with question marks; especially if he is used in strictly a bench role.
Perhaps the White Sox could ask for catcher Curt Casali in a trade. Tampa recently signed Derek Norris and plan on holding on to Jesus Sucre until Wilson Ramos returns. Casali is only a career .195 hitter, but he showed off his power potential by hitting 10 home runs in 38 games in 2015. If the Rays offer Casali and another low level prospect with upside, it could be enough for Bourjos.
Trades will always get fans blood boiling as they try to figure out the best possible return package. But remember that Bourjos is a bench piece and won’t draw much more than lottery tickets.
Solid Fit
Topkin is adamant that the Rays are looking to add another right handed hitter. Per Roster Resource, Tampa Bay is projected to have just four righties in their starting lineup and just two on their bench.
In terms of their bench, Daniel Robertson will likely make the roster as a backup infielder due to Tim Beckham’s recent injury. Rickie Weeks has had a strong Spring Training, hitting .290 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. However going on 32 he may be better suited to back up first base rather than the outfield.
Bringing in Bourjos gives the Rays an outfielder who can realistically play all three outfield positions. He adds a bit of speed and could hit towards the top of the lineup when need be.
Having Mallex Smith as a left handed option off the bench and Bourjos as a right hander, Tampa Bay should be well situated for any pitching matchup thrown at them. The Rays would also have the depth necessary to combat an unexpected outfield injury.
It would be interesting to see how the Rays configured their 25 man roster if they added Bourjos, They would likely have to carry a five man bench if they wish to keep both Weeks and Bourjos. But if Tampa Bay is looking for a cheap right handed bat, the White Sox outfielder should be towards the top of their wishlist.
Author’s Reaction
At this stage of the game it would be a shock to see Bourjos traded. With Opening Day so close the White Sox may feel more comfortable letting him start in center rather than a prospect such as Jacob May or Adam Engel.
If the Rays were to blow Rick Hahn away then of course he would move him. But that likely isn’t the case, meaning that Bourjos will stay on the South Side for now.
While a deal seems unlikely for now, a Bourjos to Tampa trade is something that could happen later down the line. If May or Engel were to impress in AAA, perhaps the White Sox feel more comfortable with them starting. If that’s the case then Hahn could trade Bourjos.
There’s also a chance that Bourjos impresses in the starting role, increasing his value. If the Rays are still interested then there’s a chance the White Sox add a prospect of value for him.
The big takeaway here is that Peter Bourjos is drawing trade interest from Tampa Bay. If the Rays still need a right-handed bat by the All Star break there’s a chance the White Sox outfielder is moved from the Windy City to the Sunshine State.
Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14
