Could the White Sox commerce Liam Hendriks?

In a season full of uneven play and underperforming gamers, there was no higher story for the White Sox than Liam Hendriks’ triumphant return to the mound after beating Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hendriks’ return served as a uncommon spotlight for the White Sox, who’ve languished under .500 whereas making an attempt to show issues round on the South Side.

As we head into commerce season, it’s exhausting to not marvel: Could the White Sox really commerce Hendriks to a contender? Would they?

“Nice stories are always appealing, but you’re paid to win games,” one American League govt stated. “If he is performing at his accustomed level, he’s a very viable acquisition.”

Chicago entered play Sunday solely 4 1/2 video games behind the first-place Twins within the tepid AL Central, so it’s hardly a foregone conclusion that common supervisor Rick Hahn will likely be promoting off items by the Aug. 1 Trade Deadline — or if proprietor Jerry Reinsdorf will enable him to take action.

Hendriks is 34 years outdated and desires to pitch for a profitable staff. When he signed his three-year, $54 million cope with the White Sox previous to the 2021 season, Chicago was recent off a postseason look, returning to the playoffs with an AL Central title that season.

But an 81-81 report in 2022 left the Sox on the skin trying in come October, and this 12 months’s 29-37 report — however the membership’s comparatively small unfold within the division — has been an indication that Chicago isn’t able to compete with the highest groups within the AL.

Hendriks’ contract features a $15 million choice for 2024 that, if declined by Chicago, turns right into a deferred assure of the identical worth, with the membership paying Hendriks $1.5 million per 12 months for the subsequent 10 years. Should Hendriks be traded, that choice turns into assured for 2024, so any buying staff would basically be locking within the nearer by way of the tip of subsequent season for a complete of roughly $23 million.

That’s an inexpensive deal for a more in-depth who posted a 2.26 ERA and 114 saves between 2019-22, so so long as Hendriks pitches effectively over the subsequent seven or eight weeks, contenders across the league determine to have curiosity in acquiring his providers.

Would a Hendriks commerce lead to unhealthy public relations for Chicago’s entrance workplace? Given what he and his story have meant to this staff and its followers this season, would the Sox be risking a backlash in the event that they shipped Hendriks out of city?

“In general, front offices do consider off-field impact and clubhouse vibes, but they’re typically secondary to the on field and financial value of the deal,” one other AL govt stated. “There’s a graceful way to trade him if that’s what they want to do.”

That swish strategy would probably contain retaining Hendriks — who can veto trades to 5 undisclosed groups — within the loop throughout commerce talks. If the White Sox decide to maneuver a variety of gamers this summer season, it might be a straightforward promote to Hendriks to ship him to a contending staff with which he can compete for a postseason spot.

“Keep him informed,” the second AL govt stated. “They can ultimately explain to the fans that this is a move that benefits the organization with an influx of talent for the future and also Liam with a chance to play for a contender late in his career. It doesn’t need to be messy.”

We most likely received’t know for a number of weeks whether or not the White Sox will likely be sellers, but when they do, Hendriks will likely be an interesting title to observe.