Could the Chicago White Sox Really Trade Tim Anderson?

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson has had a great start to his young career. He has won a Silver Slugger award, a batting title, and has been an All-Star for the past couple of seasons. However, despite Anderson’s success, the White Sox haven’t been as successful. Since Anderson has been with Chicago, the Sox have only made the playoffs twice and haven’t advanced past the ALDS. They are also coming off a season where they severely underachieved. While the White Sox have failed at rebuilding the team, that isn’t the fault of Tim Anderson. If the Sox aren’t contending for a spot in the postseason, Tim Anderson could possibly be traded in 2023.

Tim Anderson’s Current Contract

Tim Anderson is currently near the end of his club-friendly contract. However, the White Sox have a team option for 2024 which they will pick up. This means Tim Anderson won’t be able to hit the open market until 2025. Given that shortstops went at a premium this offseason, Anderson has an opportunity for a huge payday. I think that both sides aren’t going to be thinking about a long-term contract in Chicago. Besides, the White Sox rarely give out big extensions anyway. With essentially two years of club control left, the White Sox can potentially get a huge haul of prospects if they trade Anderson.

A Farm System Drying Up

Having failed their rebuild, the White Sox should be thinking about getting ahead of the next one. Their farm system is currently ranked 27^th in all of baseball. Only the Astros, Padres, and Braves rank lower. While the system boasts promising players in Colson Montgomery and more, this isn’t enough to make the Sox a serious contender. Successful rebuilds always begin with having a top farm system. The Sox had this at one point. If the White Sox want to get back to being a contender, then they must bolster their farm system.

A Potential Replacement Waiting in the Wings

Ironically, one of the White Sox’s current top prospects is a shortstop named Colson Montgomery. Montgomery has already advanced to the White Sox Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. In 96 games split between three teams, Montgomery had a slash line of .274/.381/.429 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI. Before the White Sox brass knows it, Montgomery could be on the verge of being ready for big-league action. If he continues this pace, trading away Anderson won’t be a problem as Montgomery would be ready to take over.

Don’t Be Shocked if a Trade Happens

It’s hard for me to see Tim Anderson satisfied with playing in Chicago. The Sox have never consistently won in their history, and I don’t see that changing. While he hasn’t said it publicly, Anderson could be “dropping breadcrumbs” and subtle hints that he’s dissatisfied. I am sure a playoff team that needs a shortstop and a great bat will be checking in on his availability. Given the current situation, don’t be surprised if White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn decides to move Tim Anderson.

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