White Sox keep Sale, Quintana
Chicago will explore trades in offseason
Chris Sale will remain in a Chicago White Sox uniform even after he made it clear he’s not always keen on how it fits him.
The White Sox didn’t deal Sale at the non-waiver trade deadline, which expired at 4 p.m. ET Monday. Jose Quintana, another left-handed starter, also remained on Chicago’s roster amid plenty of trade speculation.
The below-.500 White Sox entered play Monday 101⁄ games back in the American League Central. Couple their place in the standings and what Sale did with a pair of scissors recently, and it looked like the White Sox were willing to part with their staff ace for the right price.
But after weeks of speculation, USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale reported that the White Sox were OK with holding on to Sale and waiting to see what they could command for his services after the season.
Sale, 27, destroyed Chicago’s throwback jerseys ahead of a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 23. He was scheduled to start the game but was sent home and later suspended for five games.
“While we appreciate Chris’ talent and passion, there is a correct way and an incorrect way to express concerns about the team and organizational expectations,” said Rick Hahn, the White Sox’s general manager and senior vice president in a statement.
Hahn told reporters that Sale did not ask for a trade and that Sale’s destruction of jerseys had no impact on the team’s decision to explore a trade.
Sale also was critical of team President Ken Williams’ decision to ban Adam LaRoche’s son from the clubhouse. The decision by Williams led LaRoche to retire.
It appeared the price tag was too steep for the clubs who made calls to inquire about a trade. The White Sox were demanding a crop of top prospects in exchange for Sale. The Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers were among the teams that explored a trade.
Sale wouldn’t be just a rental. He is under contract through 2017, the final two seasons of a five-year, $32.5 million deal.
He also has club options for 2018 and 2019, meaning he’d earn about $38 million from 2017 to 2019 unless a new contract is worked out.