White Sox acquire Royals' All-Star starter in clever trade idea

The Chicago White Sox have been one of the best stories of the 2026 season. 

Just two seasons ago, the White Sox set a Modern Era (since 1901) record for losses with 121. At the halfway mark of the current season, they are tied with the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central. 

Chicago's approach at the trade deadline depends on how the next month of baseball goes, but they are set up nicely to be buyers. 

One area of need could be the starting rotation. The White Sox have a young core, headlined by a breakout season from right-hander Davis Martin. 

On Tuesday, FanSided's John Perrotto tabbed the Kansas City Royals as potential trade partners with the White Sox. 

"Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha would fill the White Sox’s rotation anchor role," Perrotto wrote. "He is in his 14th season in the major leagues and has had a solid year, posting a 4-5 record and a 3.64 ERA in 15 starts." 

In the trade idea, the White Sox would send two prospects to the Royals, left-hander Shane Murphy and outfielder George Wolkow. 

The Royals are 6.5 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot in a weak American League, so there's no guarantee a deal like this will come to fruition. 

"Adding to Wacha’s attractiveness is that he is under contract through next season, with a club option in 2028," Perrotto added. "His salary is a reasonable $14 million for both seasons." 

MORE: Tigers’ projected trade return for Tarik Skubal from Braves would be a top-100 prospect and more

Not only would the White Sox have Wacha for the rest of 2026, but he could become a staple of their rotation for next year too. 

Obviously, he would be much less expensive than Tarik Skubal, Sandy Alcantara, or even Reid Detmers from the Los Angeles Angels. 

More MLB news:

• Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani might not be able to pitch during MLB All-Star Game
• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames