Hahn: Sox sights set on sustained success

CHICAGO -- The goal for Rick Hahn is not to make the 2017 White Sox worse between now and July 31 as the non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches.
In fact, the general manager laughed out loud when asked that question.
Entering Tuesday's series opener against the Twins at Target Field, the White Sox are 31-37 and sit a half-game away from the worst record in the American League. But they also are four games out of a postseason spot in a league where Houston stands as the lone team at least 10 games above .500.
Those facts don't alter Hahn's primary rebuild goals, which are to build a team capable of sustained success and to contend for multiple World Series championships. Hahn reiterated that point and put potential for upcoming trades into context.
"I don't look at it as the goal of this season is to get the worst record possible for the benefit of next year's Draft," Hahn said. "I understand that as difficult as it may be to sit through losses or the growing pains that come with a rebuilding process, one of the ancillary benefits is improved Draft position.
"So we are cognizant of the fact that there is a benefit to it going forward. In terms of how this roster shapes up and the changes to this roster, that's really dictated by the market and the demand for our players and the opportunity to improve our lot both this season and in the future.
"There's never a sentiment of, 'Oh, we are too good.' There's more the 180-degree opposite that, 'Yeah, things might be difficult right now, but there is a benefit to this in the long run.'"
Trades involving the White Sox could take place soon. They will be a prime focus of contenders looking for starting pitchers such as José Quintana, Derek Holland, Miguel González, James Shields and Mike Pelfrey or relievers such as David Robertson, Anthony Swarzak and Tommy Kahnle. Let's not forget contributors on offense such as third baseman Todd Frazier, left fielder Melky Cabrera and center fielder/utility player Leury García.
This White Sox rebuild appears to be off to a strong start with a highly rated class from the 2016 MLB Draft and good reviews from the recently completed '17 Draft, not to mention the addition of international free agent Luis Robert. Major trades involving Chris Sale and Adam Eaton started the whole process back in December, returning top prospects such as Yoán Moncada, Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López and Dane Dunning.
• White Sox 2017 Draft picks

Picking up important pieces in trades quite possibly smaller in scope than those two becomes equally important to the overall process.
"Every deal we make, there's going to be a purpose," Hahn said. "Every move is going to serve our long-term interest, whether that be because of the players we potentially acquired coming back and how they fit going forward, or even the opportunities that are opened by the playing time opened up at the big league level for guys at the Minor League level who are now ready for that stage of their development."