The Chicago White Sox appear ready to make themselves serious threats in the American League Central based on the rumors of their offseason plans. According to reports the White Sox are not only considered the frontrunners to land Oakland A's starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija via trade, they are looking into signing free agent closer David Robertson.
The Chicago #Whitesox are looming as the #frontrunner to acquire #Athletics ace Jeff Samardzija after the clubs engaged in serious talks
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 8, 2014
It isn't clear what the A's would want in return from the White Sox, but Samardzija's ugly 7-13 record isn't likely to create a discount. He made 17 starts with the Chicago Cubs, during which he posted a 2.83 ERA but only recorded two victories. He ended the season with a sub-3.00 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. At 29 years old he's in the prime of his career, and will cost the Sox one or two premier prospects.
The Sox do have an ace already in Chris Sale though; their more pressing need is a bullpen ace. That's why they're said to be heavily pursuing David Robertson, who made 39 saves last season for the Yankees under the duress of replacing Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in baseball history.
"They like him a lot and he is definitely on their radar,'' a source said of the White Sox' interest in him. "They have several things they want to do and he is one of them.''
The Yankees are reportedly interested in bringing back Robertson, but are balking at his four-year, $50 million asking price. The odds of the Yanks re-signing him took a hit last week when they agreed to a four-year, $36 million deal with reliever Andrew Miller; at closer they could choose to put Miller in that role, or turn it over to Dellin Betances.
The most likely option as of now to close for Chicago is Zach Putnam, who went 5-3 last year and had six saves.
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