Hahn calls deal first step in long process
Says he’s ready to move more controllable assets
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — It wouldn’t make sense to trade Chris Sale and stop there.
For the White Sox, more trades are on theway. A lotmore.
“If a teamwas interested in premium, controllable starting pitching, we do have others that fit that description,’’ general manager Rick Hahn said after trading Sale for four Red Sox prospects Tuesday at the winter meetings. “We’re open- minded on all of them.’’
That would include All- Star left- hander Jose Quintana, who is under contract control for four more seasons at a reasonable price. He’s the caliber of player you win with, unless you are stockpiling prospects.
“Today was the first step in what will very likely be an extended process, but one that we feel, if we continue to acquire similartype players with the upsides of the individuals that we acquired today, will be for the extended long- term benefit of the organization,’’ Hahn said.
Hahn also has outfielder Adam Eaton ( five years) and first baseman Jose Abreu ( three) under contract control. They would bringmultiple prospects in trades.
Third baseman Todd Frazier has one year left before becoming a free agent, and there should be a taker for a 40- home- run hitter who can field and is great in the clubhouse. The Dodgers would be one if they lose Justin Turner in free agency.
Then there’s closer David Robertson, setup man Nate Jones and left fielder Melky Cabrera. If they’re worth a prospect or two, Hahn will listen.
“These are the type of impact players that we need to continue to acquire and build up to get our system to the point where we are able to have that extended run of success.’’
Hahn said chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, vice president Ken Williams and assistants Buddy Bell and Jeremy Haber have talked about taking this path “for a long time.” Being stuck in the middle — neither great nor bad but not quite good enough to win— is the worst place to be, Hahn said.
“It was an organizational decision,’’ Hahn said. “We felt now is the time.’’
The Sox now have four top- 100 prospects, according toMLB. com’s rankings: infielder Yoan Moncada at No. 1, right- hander Michael Kopech at 30, right- hander Carson Fulmer at 58 and catcher Zack Collins at 80. Moncada andKopech were the keys to the Sale trade. The latter two are the Sox’ most recent first- round draft picks.
ESPN ranked the Sox’ farm system last in baseball in 2012. It has inched up in recent years, but the Sale trade likely puts it in the middle of the pack.
More trades will keep it climbing.