White Sox predicted to trade 'lesser bat' to division rival for 3.69 ERA All-Star

The Chicago White Sox are expected to be trade deadline buyers this season, and their top need is more help in the starting rotation.

Davis Martin is great, but this rotation badly needs another front-line starter, especially with a potential postseason appearance on the horizon.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report is predicting the White Sox trade for a starter from the AL Central rival Kansas City Royals. This trade prediction would have the White Sox giving up a "lesser bat" for All-Star left-handed Seth Lugo in a great trade.

White Sox predicted to trade for Seth Lugo from Royals

"Chicago White Sox (41-37): They'll get Seth Lugo from the Royals," Ryemr writes. "... Even if it means upgrading a rival AL Central's farm, he's worth a lesser bat like Colby Shelton (No. 9) or Javier Mogollon (No. 10)."

If the White Sox trade with the Royals for Lugo, it would be a big surprise. Intra-division trades of this caliber are rare.

But, if this were the actual cost for Lugo, in either Mogollon or Shelton, the White Sox should be jumping all over such a trade.

They desperately need another solid starting pitcher, and Lugo, the 36-year-old left-hander, is someone who is under club control on a two-year, $46 million deal with a 2028 team option.

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Lugo is far more than a rental reliever option, as he's someone who the White Sox could have for the next two and a half years.

He has a 3.69 ERA this season, and two years ago in 2024, he posted a 3.00 ERA in 33 starts while making the All-Star team.

Since the Royals are collapsing this season, they have a realistic chance of selling some of their assets, even if they're not impending free agents.

Lugo could be dealt this summer, but this prediction coming true, sending Lugo to the White Sox in exchange for a "lesser bat" prospect, would be a bit surprising, and a huge win for the White Sox if this came true.

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