How Much Can Chicago White Sox Add To A Franchise Record Payroll?
Miami Marlins center fielder Starling Marte, right, and teammate Miami Marlins' Jon Berti react ... [+] after scoring two runs against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, June 14, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Joe Puetz) ASSOCIATED PRESS  Theres little doubt that the White Sox have at least one big move in them before the trade deadline arrives. But history says they will be cautious in adding payroll, which suggests they will proceed cautiously in upcoming weeks. While the Sox are on pace to win 96, injuries have devastated their powerful lineup and their seemingly solid bullpen is underachieving. Closer Liam Hendriks has been solid but the bridge to him is shaky, as shown by a 4.02 bullpen ERA and 62-percent conversion rate on save situations. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf believes the White Sox have a team capable of reaching the World Series, which is why he coaxed Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa out of retirement. But competition is fierce in the American League, with the Astros and Red Sox currently positioned ahead of the Southsiders and the Rays, As and Indians also on pace to win 90-plus. General Manager Rick Hahn is looking to upgrade the roster, with the hottest rumor focused on ongoing talks with Arizona to add Eduardo Escobar as a replacement for Nick Madrigal. But Hahn knows many other options will present themselves before the July 31 trade deadline. He must move cautiously in expending his resources both in terms of trade capital and payroll flexibility. After trading for Lance Lynn and adding Hendriks and Adam Eaton as free agents, the White Sox opened the season with a projected payroll of $128.7 million, the biggest in franchise history. Theyve never ended a season with a payroll over $126 million, per the website Cots Contracts, but it seems likely theyre going above $130 million this season. Outfielders Eloy Jimenez (ruptured pectoral tendon) and Luis Robert (torn hip flexor) are on the injured list but both appear well on their way to returning. Jimenez is close to beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, which could allow him to return for the second half, and Robert appears two-three weeks behind him. Madrigal (torn hamstring, which required surgery) wont be back until next season. Its unclear where the Sox will get the most bang for their buck with mid-season trades. It was reported on Monday that the Miami Marlins are discussing a possible contract extension with center fielder Starling Marte, who could become the biggest name on the market if he rejects their offer. Marte was sidelined by a broken rib but has bounced back to deliver 2.1 rWAR in 42 games. Hes hitting .288 with an .860 OPS and 12 stolen bases while playing solid in the field (+3 Defensive Runs Saved, per Fangraphs). Its worth noting that Marlins General Manager Kim Ng has strong ties to Reinsdorf and the White Sox, where she began her career. Hes in the final option year of a contract he signed in Pittsburgh in 2014, earning $11.5 million this season. Hell cost a team trading for him about $5 million in salary, although the Marlins could pick up some of it to improve the quality of prospects including in a deal. Adding an All-Star outfielder makes sense for the White Sox, even with Jimenez and Robert likely to return. Jimenez could supplant April sensation Yermin Mercedes (.179/.239/.252 slash line since May 15) as the primary designated hitter when he returns. An addition like Marte would lessen the need to rely on rookie Andrew Vaughn and veterans Eaton and Engel. The Cubs Craig Kimbrel is having a great season and seemingly headed for free agency, like Marte. Hes piled up 20 saves while allowing only 10 hits in 31 appearances, adding to a Hall of Fame resume, and figures to be the top reliever shopped if the Cubs decide to be sellers. Kimbrel and Hendriks would give the White Sox a late-inning combination that could be a huge edge in September and October. He is in the last guaranteed deal of a contract he signed in June, 2019, after lingering on the free agent market despite having just earned a World Series ring with Boston. Kimbrel is earning $16 million this season with a similar option for 2022, and a $1 million buyout that will increase to $2 million if he finishes 55 games. Escobar, a switch hitter who started his career with the White Sox, has hit 17 home runs and put together a .249/.293/.471 slash line with Arizona. He would fill the hole created by Madrigals absence, allowing Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick to return to utility roles, and can also take some of the load off Yoan Moncada at third base. Escobar was traded from Minnesota to Arizona in 2018 and signed a three-year, $21-million extension to remain there. He is earning $7.5 million this season, making him less of a financial consideration than bigger names on the market. But the Diamondbacks are looking for salary relief so Hahn must worry that dealing for him now would make it tougher to ask Reinsdorf for the money it will take to land a big fish like Marte or Kimbrel.