White Sox and Pirates “getting close” to Alex Rios trade

While most of the attention surrounding the White Sox at the trade deadline centers around Jake Peavy they’re “getting close on a deal” that would send Alex Rios to the Pirates, according to David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com.

Kaplan reports that the two sides are working on the money aspect of a potential trade, although he also notes that nothing is certain to be completed. Rios is owed about $5 million for the remainder of this season and $12.5 million next season.

Pittsburgh certainly has a need in right field, where they’ve gotten a combined .226 batting average and nine homers for a .649 OPS that ranks dead last in the majors. By comparison Rios is hitting .272 with 12 homers and a .752 OPS, which is similar to his overall numbers in five seasons with the White Sox, and he’s also a big plus defensively.

A number of teams are making calls about Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson these days, as is the general nature of the offseason. Per Jason Kinander of FanSided, there have been some preliminary trade discussions between the Dodgers and the White Sox, though a formal deal doesn’t appear imminent and any potential competition from other clubs is still unknown.

Pederson, 26, has enjoyed quite a run with the Dodgers over the last five years. A perennial 25-home run hitter (when healthy), he slashed .248/.321/.522 with 56 RBI, an .843 OPS, and 2.7 fWAR through 443 plate appearances during the 2018 regular season. Following the Dodgers’ unsuccessful postseason campaign, Pederson agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract in advance of the arbitration deadline, and is currently slated to remain under team control through the 2020 season.

Despite his relative affordability and clear value to the club, shedding Pederson from their roster would allow the Dodgers to pursue the kind of right-handed hitters they need to balance out their 2019 lineup. It’s not certain what the White Sox are prepared to give up, but Kinander mentions right-hander Carson Fulmer, lefty reliever Aaron Bummer, and recent draft pick/third baseman Bryce Bush as a few possibilities.