White Sox fans know firsthand how injuries can derail a season and an entire competitive window. The continued physical problems for Yoán Moncada, Eloy Jiménez, and Luis Robert Jr. and their inability to stay on the field consistently were undoubtedly factors in why the White Sox last core never reached their true potential and why the organization now has to rebuild the rebuild. Injuries are an unfortunate reality of baseball, and all teams must overcome them. Given the current position of the White Sox in the standings, they have several trade chips who can replace injured players on contending teams.
The most notable injury of late was to Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodríguez. He crashed into the wall while making a catch the other day and crumbled to the ground instantly. Further testing revealed that he has an ankle sprain and will undergo an MRI. Hopefully, Rodríguez will not be out too long, but his injury might impact Luis Robert Jr’s trade market. Seattle had been linked to Robert Jr. for a long time even before Rodríguez’s injury, but they could increase their pursuit of him if Rodríguez’s physical issues are more severe than initially thought. Seattle is in the thick of the playoff race and needs more outfield production even with a healthy Rodríguez, so their interest in Robert Jr. makes sense.
Ozzie Albies is another player who got hurt recently. The Braves star second baseman fractured his wrist this past weekend and will reportedly be out for months. Albies is a massive loss to the Braves lineup. Atlanta signed veteran infielder Whit Merrifield as a bandaid replacement, but now he is also hurt. The Braves could be a suitor for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong to beef up their infield depth.
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas was removed from a game this past weekend with forearm tightness. Rojas has played a lot of shortstop for the Dodgers this season. It would be a substantial loss if he is out for an extended period. Los Angeles is another potential fit for DeJong should Rojas be on the shelf for a while.
Braves star left-handed pitcher Max Fried has experienced forearm discomfort and nerve irritation. It is unclear how long he will be out, but his injury might increase the Braves pursuit of another starting pitcher. Erick Fedde and even a lower-end starter like Chris Flexen could be on Atlanta’s radar now.
Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove has been battling elbow issues and likely will not return for at least another month, according to reports. The Padres have already made an offer for Garrett Crochet. Musgrove’s continued injury issues could motivate them to make a deal for one of the White Sox starting pitchers.
Nobody wants to see players get hurt. Injuries are just an unfortunate reality in baseball and any other sport. Yet, as one of the only clear sellers in a wide-open MLB landscape this season, the White Sox can take advantage of the opportunity. Other contending teams have needs because of roster flaws and injuries, and the White Sox have a wide variety of trade chips that will be on the move. The White Sox were on the wrong end of injuries the last few years. That could now change if they attack this trade deadline correctly.
