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.