Chicago White Sox
· 2026-06-24
The Chicago White Sox are tied with the Guardians atop the AL Central standings, with a record of 40-37.
The White Sox have a .519 winning percentage, but their 4.41 ERA ranks 20th in the major leagues.
The White Sox need to upgrade their pitching staff, both in the rotation and bullpen, to reach the postseason.
They could acquire Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha, who has a 4-5 record and a 3.64 ERA in 15 starts.
Wacha is under contract through next season, with a club option in 2028, and his salary is a reasonable $14 million for both seasons.
The Guardians are 28th in MLB in runs scored, with an average of 3.97 runs per game, and star third baseman Jose Ramirez will be sidelined another month.
They need to acquire a power hitter, such as Orioles outfielder Tyler Ward, who has hit 32 home runs in a season before.
Ward's contract expires at the end of the season, so the Guardians would not need to make a long-term commitment.
The White Sox and Guardians have clear paths to improve through trades, with pitching upgrades for Chicago and offensive firepower needed in Cleveland.
The proposed deals involve two teams looking to sell, and could reshape the division race with one month remaining until the deadline.
The Minnesota Twins are lurking at 3 ½ games back, so the White Sox and Guardians need to make moves to stay ahead.
The White Sox could offer Triple-A left-hander Shane Murphy and High-A outfielder George Wolkow to the Royals for Wacha.
Wolkow is ranked as the White Sox's 19th-best prospect by Baseball America, and Murphy is No. 28.
The Guardians could send Triple-A left-hander Logan Allen to the Orioles for Ward.
Allen is squeezed off the major-league roster because of the Guardians' strong rotation, but he is 27 and has potential.
The White Sox and Guardians are in a dead heat, and trades could be the key to winning the division crown.