Well, the White Sox finally made a move and it was a big one. At the time of the article, it has been reported by Bob Nightengale that the White Sox are sending out Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham in a package that will get them three players in return.
If this is the full return, this is a massive choke by Chris Getz in his first trade deadline, as he traded three of his most valuable assets to acquire what would seem to be just under value for Erick Fedde himself. However, it still hasn’t been officially announced by any of the three teams involved in the deal.
The players received in the trade are good, but it seems that the White Sox could have gotten more or targeted players that are a bit closer to playing in the major leagues. Regardless, let’s take a look at who the White Sox reportedly received in this trade:
Vargas seems to be the main piece in the deal, as he was ranked as a consensus top-40 prospect in all of baseball as of last year. Now, Vargas has 374 at-bats in the major leagues, good for a .201 average with 11 homeruns and 49 RBIs. That may seem low, but he has not had consistent playing time, which makes it much harder for a younger player to get their feet under them in the major leagues.
Vargas does have some fantastic stats in AAA this year, as he is hitting .290 with a fantastic .440 OBP. He has also added eight homeruns and 38 RBIs. He also has walked more than he struck out, walking 38 times compared to just 33 strikeouts.
Vargas is a nice piece to add for the White Sox, as he can help the major league club immediately. If Vargas plays like scouts think he can, he could be a cornerstone in the White Sox lineup at either third base or second base. He does have the ability to play the outfield so they could use him there as well.
With Brooks Baldwin getting playing time at second, Vargas could slot in either right or third base, as the departure of Pham opens a spot in the starting lineup.
Perez and Albertus round out the minor leaguers received in the trade. Perez, a 19 year old second basemen, is ranked as the #17 prospect in the Dodgers system according to MLB Pipeline, however other outlets have him ranked higher. He currently is in low-A hitting .264 with a .380 OBP, adding 10 homers and 48 RBI.
Scouts are high on Perez, so it makes sense why Getz targeted him in the deal. Unlike most of the White Sox hitters, Perez knows how to draw walks, as he has already walked 48 times this season.
While Perez has some upside and it is always good to pick from the Dodgers farm system, since he is only 19 it will take Perez time to get to the major leagues and make his way through the minor leagues.
Albertus is another 19 year old middle infielder from the Dodgers system who currently ranks as their 23rd prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Like Perez, other outlets have him ranked higher in their system.
This season between Rookie Ball and Low-A, Albertus is hitting .298 with a solid .420 OBP. He has added three homeruns and 42 RBIs. While not as much as a power hitter as Perez, he still takes a lot of walks, as he has more walks than strikeouts so far this season.
Albertus is also just 19, so it will take him time to work through the minor leagues. He hasn’t played much professional baseball in the states yet, so there is plenty of room for him to grow.
Chris Getz took a swing at some high upside prospects in this trade and it could pay off down the line, so only time will tell. The fact that the White Sox did not get any prospects back from the Cardinals despite giving them two players is odd, so maybe more news will come out on that front that will make this a better return. If they don’t, then this is a bit of a confusing trade, as it seems unnecessary to make it a three team deal when they could’ve done two separate trades.
