Which rumored White Sox trade candidates can actually help Dodgers?

Fans had previously speculated the Chicago White Sox would be open for business ahead of this year's trade deadline because of how bad they've been. When the All-Star break arrived, they were 38-54 and somehow only eight games back of the dead .500 Cleveland Guardians.

That's still a fairly insurmountable climb to make if you're a team like the White Sox, who haven't been the same since the Astros eliminated them from the postseason in 2021. They've been one of baseball's biggest disappointments.

And teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers prey on those who struggle this mightily. When stuck in neutral, an organization such as the White Sox can't afford to stand pat and sit on assets they can stomach trading.

That said, it seems they're not going to let contenders pick apart their roster ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline. MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting Chicago will not be trading four players they deem to be part of the team's "core" in Luis Robert, Andrew Vaughn, Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease.

A dejected Robert watching Freddie Freeman's walk-off in LA not too long ago had Dodgers fans wondering if he'd be roaming center field in the City of Angels, but we won't be counting on that. Instead, who else could the Dodgers plunder from the ChiSox?

Dodgers Rumors: Which White Sox trade candidates make sense for LA?

We really don't think you want to hear more about shortstop Tim Anderson. That horse has been beaten beyond death. It's traveled back from the afterlife at this point.

Heyman specifically listed Lucas Giolito (another player incessantly linked to LA) and relievers Reynaldo Lopez and Keynan Middleton as those most likely to head out the door. What was intriguing, however, was the omission of Michael Kopech and Yoan Moncada from the "untouchable" list.

Reynaldo Lopez and Keynan Middleton - Which Would Make the Better Dodger?

Now for the bullpen. Any addition would be helpful, given what's happened to the Dodgers in that department this year. Lopez no longer seems like an attractive trade candidate, but, again, a potential buy-low situation here might entice the Dodgers, who always seem to make the right tweaks with pitchers who need a reawakening.

Lopez finished 2022 with a 2.61 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 61 games. This year, he's 2-5 with a 4.74 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. There's value, if the correct buttons are pressed. As for Middleton, he's the far superior option (at least this year). He has a 3.09 ERA, 3.87 FIP and 1.16 WHIP with 41 strikeouts in 32 innings of work. He could clean it up a bit in the HR and BB department, but he has a very nice Baseball Savant page that suggests his overall good performance this year is legitimate. The Dodgers could use a nasty changeup out of the 'pen.

Yoan Moncada - Unlikely Dodgers Trade Candidate

In theory, yes, Moncada is a fit. The Dodgers need some infield flexibility (especially with actual infielders and younger options) and he brings exactly that. But outside of his impressive 2019 season, Moncada's been a below-average major leaguer at the plate and it's been frustrating to watch. The Dodgers shouldn't be paying any sort of a premium (Moncada is still just 28 and is controllable through 2024 with a club option for 2025) if the acquisition won't provide a discernible improvement on the offensive end. Moncada would be a decent upgrade over Miguel Rojas in terms of production from the team's infielders, and that would be it. He's been good for a 78 OPS+ over his last 142 games and frequently finds himself on the IL. Pass.

Kendall Graveman - Honorable Mention

He wasn't listed as a rumored trade candidate and there honestly hasn't been a lot of buzz surrounding the right-hander, but he's been good in 2023. A 2.93 ERA and 1.13 WHIP is A+ for the Dodgers bullpen at this point, so maybe they can coax the White Sox into a package deal with Graveman among the pieces dealt to LA.