AL Central rivals talking trade for top pitcher
The most intriguing talks before Monday’s MLB trade deadline are between the Indians and White Sox, who are actively involved in discussions on a deal that would send Cleveland starter Mike Clevinger to Chicago, according to two persons with direct knowledge of the talks.
The persons spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because talks are ongoing and other teams are in pursuit of Clevinger.
It’s no secret that Cleveland has been listening to offers to Clevinger to help their ailing offense, but stunning they would consider trading him to Chicago, with the two teams separated by one game in the American League Central entering Sunday. Clevinger, one of
Cleveland’s top three starters, certainly would bolster the White Sox’s thin rotation, joining Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel and Dylan Cease.
The White Sox (20-13) haven’t made the playoffs since 2008, but they had a 97.6% chance to reach the postseason entering Sunday, according to FanGraphs. Clevinger could vault the team into World Series contention.
Cleveland (21-12), which leads the Central, badly needs to enhance its offense, particularly in the outfield. The Indians outfield ranked last in the AL with a .185 batting average and an MLBworst six homers through Saturday.
The White Sox would likely include outfielder Adam Engel and perhaps pitching prospect Michael Kopech, 24, who opted out of the season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Chicago picked up outfield depth last week by acquiring Jarrod Dyson from the Pirates. The White Sox are in need of a pitcher after veteran Gio Gonzalez went on the injured list (strained right groin).
The 29-year-old Clevinger – who might be the top pitcher on the market – was demoted after violating the league’s safe and healthy protocols but returned to the majors on Aug. 26. He is under team control through 2022, earning a prorated $4.1 million ($1.518 million) this year and is arbitration-eligible the next two years. He has a 2.97 ERA with 10.22 strikeouts per nine innings since 2017.