Inbox: Who could White Sox trade next?

Beat reporter Scott Merkin answers fans' questions

December 13th, 2016

CHICAGO -- White Sox general manager Rick Hahn is coming off of a very busy week, making a major impression at the Winter Meetings. But the organization's rebuild has only just begun. Here's this week's Inbox, with questions coming after the major trades.
Who do you think will be the next White Sox player to be traded?
-- Eddy, Massachusetts

The teams who missed out on , and could pursue a less expensive but still effective closer option in , who is owed $25 million over the next two years. stands as a true power hitter with the potential to play first and third base who is also a tremendous clubhouse influence.
Hot Stove Tracker
One sleeper team to keep in mind with Frazier are the American League-champion Indians, who strongly went after him as a trade candidate last offseason. The Rockies also expressed interest in Frazier, but we'll see if the signing changes those plans.
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Will the White Sox go with as the starting catcher? With so many young pitchers added, a veteran would be ideal, no?
-- Leonard, Orland Hills, Ill.

We've talked about Narvaez earning a roster spot in previous Inbox entries. That happening is a near certainty. But I agree that the White Sox will look for a veteran to help with the potentially young staff. Zack Collins, the White Sox No. 6 prospect per MLBPipeline.com, is the catcher of the future as we sit here today, but that future probably falls two seasons away.
Any chance the White Sox keep throughout the rebuild and beyond?
-- Rob, Washington, D.C.

Abreu issued a statement through the White Sox on Friday welcoming to the organization, and he talked about mentoring the young infielder and Cuban countryman. Those words didn't sound like they were coming from a player on his way out. As Hahn said, though, this rebuilding process continues on through the season and into the next offseason, so while I believe Abreu stays in 2017, there's no guarantee he's there for the next three years.

What's the word from the farm teams? They must be excited getting an infusion of top talent.
-- John, Homewood, Ill.

I spoke with Chris Getz, the White Sox new director of player development, and he sounds excited by the challenge. The same goes for his staff. Getz admitted the staff might not have worked with players featuring this high of a ceiling in the past, but the Minor League coaches have plenty of experience to help the prospects eventually reach their lofty level.
Any more news on a -to-Houston trade?
-- Katie, Mount Prospect, Ill.

Peter Gammons reported that the White Sox asked for righty , righty and outfielder Kyle Tucker for Quintana, which is quite a haul -- and a fair price to pay for the Chicago lefty. Hahn showed in his past two trades that he's not acquiescing to anything below the asking price. Quintana certainly benefits any team's rotation, including the White Sox, so he might start the season with the South Siders and be moved at the non-waiver Trade Deadline or even next offseason. It's all about meeting the demand.
With all the salary relief after the trades, do you see the White Sox making a run at free agency next year?
-- Edgar, Chicago

Maybe some calculated move or moves in 2017. But the White Sox will be ready to spend during what's shaping up as a massive talent market in '18.
<maybe 17.="" 18.="" as="" be="" but="" calculated="" during="" in="" is="" market="" massive="" move="" moves="" or="" p="" ready="" s="" shaping="" some="" spend="" talent="" that="" the="" they="" to="" up="" will=""> Which of the prospects we acquired do you think will make the Opening Day roster?
-- Nick, Carol Stream, Ill.

They all start in the Minors, but Moncada and probably stand as the two fastest risers to the Majors.