UPDATE:
The #Whitesox still would like offensive upgrade, and the #Dodgers would love to move Andre Ethier, but no signs of potential match.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 4, 2016
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UPDATE:
Strong preference for LHH; one negative on Fowler is his #s are better RH than LH. https://t.co/jFfNdgS81O
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) February 3, 2016
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The Chicago White Sox were active on the trade market this offseason and they've been exploring free agency to address a need in their outfield. However, their endeavors might lead them back to the trade market, where the Los Angeles Dodgers may have something to offer.
The White Sox are exploring a trade for Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier, writes Phil Rogers of MLB.com. Ethier has been the subject of such trade rumors for over a year now due to the Dodgers' logjam in the outfield. Rogers also notes the Dodgers would prefer to trade Carl Crawford, but Ethier is garnering more interest at this point.
Chicago was keeping tabs on top MLB free-agent outfield options such as Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and Alex Gordon, but the three already signed elsewhere. The White Sox have been linked to Dexter Fowler as well, but it's likely they're looking for a true corner outfielder that is capable of hitting in the middle of the order.
Additionally, the club has some payroll restrictions, so signing another free agent may not be the most prudent financial move. Previous rumors have suggested the Dodgers were willing to pay a significant portion of Ethier's remaining salary, which might be of greater interest to Chicago. The veteran is owed $37 million through 2017, so if Los Angeles covers at least $12 million, then a two-year, $25 million commitment seems much more reasonable for a team like the White Sox.
The Dodgers tried to trade Ethier last offseason, but the 33-year-old endured a career-worst campaign in 2014 after batting .249/.322/.370 with 29 runs scored, 4 home runs and 42 RBI in 130 games (341 at-bats). He registered career-lows in nearly every major offensive category, which made it extremely difficult for the Dodgers to find a trade partner even though the team was reportedly willing to cover half of the remaining money on his contract.
However, Ethier rebounded strongly in 2015 and re-established his worth as an everyday outfielder. His 2.7 WAR accompanied a .294/.366/.486 stat line along with 54 runs scored, 14 home runs and 53 RBI in 142 games (395 at-bats).
Chicago has reportedly been looking to find an upgrade over right fielder Avisail Garcia, who logged a .675 OPS and -1.8 dWAR in 148 games last season. Ethier could be that guy depending on what the Dodgers are asking for and how much of his remaining salary they're willing to cover.
Now that the free-agent market is drying up, keep an eye on the trade front.
