The Chicago White Sox made some big splashes at the MLB Winter Meetings last week, but with a pair of signings by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team could be poised to make even more noise in the weeks ahead.
According to multiple reports, the Dodgers have agreed to re-sign closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year deal worth $80 million, and they have also reportedly agreed to terms on a deal with third baseman Justin Turner.
Those deals remove two very important pieces off of the free agent market, representing the best closer and arguably the best infielder still left on the board, and that could mean big things for the White Sox with two of their most valuable trade chips.
On the closer front, the deal for Jansen could mean that teams will turn to the White Sox for bullpen help. With two years left on his contract, David Robertson isn’t the cheapest player available, as he’ll make $25 million combined in those seasons, but that deal is certainly a cheaper alternative to the ones that Mark Melancon, Aroldis Chapman, and Jansen have signed this year, and there should be teams calling the Sox about his services.
Those teams could include the Washington Nationals, who are looking to load up for a two-year run of contention before Bryce Harper is eligible to hit free agency, and the Miami Marlins, who were reportedly interested in both Chapman and Jansen before both players decided to go in different directions.
The White Sox could also be in a good position to trade away Todd Frazier, who only has one year left on his contract on the South Side. With Turner off the market, teams looking for an upgrade at third base could conceivably call the Sox about Frazier’s services, and with a massive power surge in his game last year, he should be an in-demand player.
Judging by the returns that both Chris Sale and Adam Eaton netted the White Sox, the team should be confident that they can get good value on either Frazier or Robertson if they decide to trade them, and the market could be setting up in their favor if Rick Hahn decides to make either move.
