Lucas Giolito To The Dodgers? It's A Real Possibility

Ah, the trade deadline. Every baseball fan's favorite part of the season. This is where teams can load up for a deep playoff run, or in the White Sox case, sell off most of the team and start a rebuild. It has been rumored that only four players are off-limits for trading: Dylan Cease, Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jimenez, and Andrew Vaughn. Now, I disagree with putting some of those players in the "off-limits" category, but that is what has been reported.

Outside of the four players, rumors have begun to float around and one of the most interesting trade pieces the White Sox have is Lucas Giolito. With the season he is having combined with the lack of quality pitchers available at the deadline, he may be able to get the White Sox a haul.

Dodgers Are In On The Hometown Kid

Lucas Giolito has made it very clear that he wants to stay in Chicago. Most fans also don't want him traded, but it will likely be done for the good of the team. Who knows, maybe they will sign him in the offseason after trading him... It's happened before.

But, if they want to make him happy, Los Angeles could make him happy, as he grew up in that area and could be much closer to family. Luckily for everyone, the Dodgers are interested.

According to Morosi, the Dodgers have been showing interest early on Giolito. This is a good sign, as it can drive up the price for him if the Dodgers aren't the team he lands on.

The Dodgers would not only be an ideal landing spot for Giolito but for the Sox as well, as they have a league-leading nine top-100 prospects and a very deep farm system. This could make it very easy for the White Sox to make a deal with them, as they could make an offer they could not refuse.

Looking At A Potential Deal

When you sell off your team at the deadline, there is a premium price to pay, as teams know that others can be desperate to make a run in the playoffs. Hopefully, the Sox can take advantage of this, as they need to restock their farm system badly.

I would imagine that they start off with at least one top 35-60 prospect, and then maybe a bit more if there is a bidding war. The Sox could potentially get two top 100 guys if they add a bullpen piece like Joe Kelly to the mix.

If they are able to strike a deal, I would imagine the Sox focus on one of their young pitchers or one of their top-catching prospects, as that is what the Sox desperately need.

If they go the catching route, Dalton Rushing would be the main return, as he is their 3rd ranked prospect and he is blocked not only by Will Smith, but another catching prospect ranked higher than him.

Rushing is currently in High A, with a major league ETA of 2025, which could be pushed up sooner if he is on the Sox. This year he is hitting .258 with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs. He is a power-hitting catcher with a strong arm behind the plate and the ability to play there at the major league level. If he was the return for the Sox, I would be very happy.

That would be the likely return, but if they want pitching, they could go after Gavin Stone or Ryan Pepoit, both of whom are top-100 prospects as well.

It will be sad to see Gio go, but it is what is best for the team. I would like them to try and resign him in the offseason, as that would be a pretty cool situation, although unlikely.