Borderline contenders could help the Atlanta Braves bullpen
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox flirted with the idea of signing Manny Machado or Bryce Harper in the offseason in hopes of landing a foundational piece for the future.
They were unable to land either, so it left Chicago with a team not likely to compete.
At this point in the season, the White Sox sit 23-29 and are five games out of the second wild card spot.
They have young players Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson in the lineup and Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez in the rotation.
The White Sox’s most desirable trade chip this summer will likely be closer Alex Colome, who is heading for a possible All-Star game selection.
In 19.2 innings, Colome has nine saves and an ERA of 1.83. Opponents are batting .048. This month, he has allowed one earned run in seven innings.
Colome, who is 30 years old, is arbitration eligible through the 2020 season before becoming a free agent and was traded from Seattle this past offseason. His 2019 salary is $7.3 million.
The White Sox only sent a Rule 5 catcher to the Mariners for Colome, so an offer shouldn’t be too steep if the Braves choose to pursue the former All-Star.
Perhaps a top 20 prospect could be the center, but I doubt it would take much more.
Los Angeles Angels
It seems like every year the Angels sign enough players or make enough trades to be considered a playoff possibility before the season starts.
Obviously much of that is thanks to Mike Trout, but this Angels team, specifically the rotation, has endured injuries much too difficult to overcome.
What also hurts the Angels is they have very few trade assets to put on the market this summer.
The only player that might fetch a decent return is bullpen piece Cam Bedrosian but even then, the prospect package won’t be much.
Outside of two appearances, Bedrosian has been terrific.
He has surrendered just three earned runs, allowed 10 hits in 22.2 innings, while striking out 23 and walking 11.
Bedrosian is eligible for free agency in 2022 and is making $1.7 million this season.
A lottery ticket-type of prospect would be an appropriate return for the Angels in any trade involving Bedrosian.