However, with the recent news of Erick Fedde being designated for assignment by the Cardinals, the White Sox may have made a smart move.
The White Sox Prove Critics Wrong with Latest Trade Deadline Move
The Chicago White Sox have been the subject of much criticism since their controversial trade involving pitcher Erick Fedde last year. However, with the recent news of Fedde being designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals, it seems that the White Sox may have made a shrewd decision after all.
Many were quick to slam the White Sox for their trade with the Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2024 trade deadline. The move was seen as a risky one, with Fedde being a promising young pitcher with potential. But now, with Fedde’s struggles and eventual DFA by the Cardinals, the White Sox are looking like the smarter team.
The trade, which sent Fedde to St. Louis in exchange for a package of players, was met with skepticism and doubt. However, the White Sox stood by their decision and now it seems that their patience and foresight has paid off.
With Fedde’s struggles and eventual DFA, the White Sox have proven their critics wrong and solidified their position as a team with a keen eye for talent and a strong understanding of the trade market. This latest move only adds to the White Sox’s reputation as a team to watch out for in future trade deadlines.
While it may have been a controversial move at the time, the White Sox’s decision to trade Fedde has ultimately worked in their favor. As the team continues to make strategic moves and build a strong roster, it’s clear that they are a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.
The Chicago White Sox: A Lesson in Trade Deadline Deals
The Chicago White Sox made a controversial trade last year, involving the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Many deemed the White Sox foolish for their decision, but time has proven otherwise.
The Cardinals Come Out on Top
The Cardinals received pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham from the White Sox without having to give up any of their own prospects. Instead, they leaned on the Dodgers to provide the White Sox with the young talent they desired. The cost for the Cardinals? Only veteran utilityman Tommy Edman. Meanwhile, the White Sox sent reliever Michael Kopech to the Dodgers in the deal.
CBS Sports Gives High Grades
After the trade was finalized, CBS Sports gave the Dodgers and Cardinals an “A” grade, while the White Sox received a “D.”
Revisiting the Miguel Vargas Trade
However, time has shown that the White Sox did not deserve such a low grade. While Edman became last year’s World Series MVP and Kopech contributed to the Dodgers’ championship win, Miguel Vargas has emerged as a valuable player for the White Sox. With 12 home runs and an OPS over .700, Vargas has proven to be a Major League regular with plenty of potential and team control.
Lessons Learned
This trade serves as a lesson for the White Sox as they approach this year’s trade deadline. Two key takeaways can be applied to any deal they make:
1. Immediate Trade Grades are Useless
At the time, many, including myself, were critical of the Miguel Vargas trade. However, Vargas’ success can be attributed to player development rather than a front office win. It took a swing adjustment in April for Vargas to become a viable player. Had the coaching staff not made this correction, the front office would still be deemed foolish. Additionally, the White Sox may have been able to get a better return for Kopech if they had waited until the deadline, as the reliever market was favorable.
2. Process Matters
While the end result may have turned out well for the White Sox, the process of this trade was not ideal. Many would have preferred the team not bundle all three of their top trade assets for Vargas and a prospect with a broken leg. The emergence of Vargas can be seen as a player development win rather than a front office success.
