South Siders get 2 relievers in 3- team deal
Seeking to bolster their bullpen, the White Sox acquired left- hander Luis Avilan and right- hander Joakim Soria in a five- player, threeteam trade Thursday that included the Royals and Dodgers.
The Dodgers reportedly gave the Sox $ 2 million in cash considerations for minor- league infielder Jake Peter and acquired lefthander Scott Alexander from the Royals for minorleague infielder Erick Mejia and minor- league right- hander Trevor Oaks. The Royals reportedly sent an additional $ 1 million to the Sox.
Avilan is expected to earn $ 2.3 million through arbitration in 2018. Soria is set to earn $ 10 million as part of his contract.
‘‘ This deal provides us with additional late- inning options as we look to solidify our bullpen,’’ Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. ‘‘ Both Avilan and Soria provide us with veteran depth and enhanced flexibility moving forward.’’ Avilan, 28, was 2- 3 with a 2.93 ERA in 61 games last season for the Dodgers. He struck out 52 in 46 innings — or 10.2 batters per nine innings.
Soria, 33, was 4- 3 with one save and a 3.70 ERA in 59 games for the Royals last season. He has 204 career saves.
Soria struggled in two seasons after returning to the Royals in 2016. He set a career high for walks ( 27 in 66‰ innings) and had a 4.05 ERA in 2016.
Alexander, 28, emerged as a key pitcher for the Royals last season, going 5- 4 with four saves and a 2.48 ERA in 58 games. The Dodgers lost durable setup man Brandon Morrow from their bullpen when he signed with the Cubs this offseason, and lefty Tony Watson became a free agent.
Peter, 24, hit a combined .279 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI in 2017 at Class AA Birmingham and Class AAA Charlotte in the Sox’ organization.
The Royals got Oaks, 24, who was 4- 3 with 3.64 ERA at Class AAA Oklahoma City, and Mejia, 23, a switch- hitter who spent most of the season at Class AA Tulsa. He batted .278 with eight homers, 41 RBI and 28 stolen bases overall.