Hahn: White Sox Open To Rebuild, Not Interested In Rentals
ANDREW SELIGMAN, AP Sports Writer
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox are at least open to the idea of a rebuild and are not interested in trading for short-term rental players to spark a struggling team, general manager Rick Hahn said.
Hahn acknowledged the White Sox were "mired in mediocrity" with a 46-48 record heading into Thursday night's game against the Detroit Tigers. They had dropped six of seven and were seven games out of the second wild card — and 10 behind AL Central leader Cleveland.
With the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaching, Hahn said the White Sox have "to stay open-minded." But they are ruling out adding short-term rental players who could only help the team this year.
They are, however, at least willing to consider just about any other action, even a major rebuild. And Hahn said that includes chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
An overhaul would be a huge step for an organization that has tried to contend through trades and free agency in recent years. But with one playoff appearance since the 2005 championship season, Hahn acknowledged the plan hasn't paid off the way the White Sox envisioned.
"We're not where we want to be," Hahn said. "We've spent a fair amount of time focusing on the here-now for the last few years and it hasn't paid off as handsomely as we hoped. So we have to stay open-minded."
If they went the rebuild route, ace Chris Sale and fellow All-Star pitcher Jose Quintana would no doubt command high prices. But with team options, the White Sox have Sale under control through 2019 and Quintana through 2020.
"The notion of let's sell off everything because it's not working might be a little extreme, especially if you expect to be able to put yourself in position to have a perennial quality product in the window of control for some of these guys," Hahn said.
Hahn also offered updates on several injured players. He said pitcher Carlos Rodon (wrist) "is progressing nicely" and will make a minor-league rehab start before returning.
Catcher Alex Avila (hamstring) suffered a setback in a rehab game with Triple-A Charlotte and likely won't be activated for another month.
Right-hander Zach Putnam (right elbow) also had a setback and will likely need to have bone spurs removed from his elbow. Hahn said outfielder Austin Jackson, recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee, will start "ramping up non-impact activity" in the coming days.
(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
