The Los Angeles Angels made a significant trade, sending two of their top prospects, catcher Edgar Quero and pitcher Ky Bush, to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López. This trade has generated a lot of buzz in the baseball world, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
The Athletic’s Keith Law ranked Quero and Bush as the Angels’ No. 3 and 4 prospects, respectively, at the beginning of this season. Quero, who is only 20 years old, has been performing well in Double-A Rocket City, hitting .246 with three home runs and 35 RBIs. On the other hand, Bush, who is 23 years old, has struggled with a 7.20 ERA across 30 innings pitched in Double-A and rookie levels.
In return, the Angels acquired two established pitchers in Giolito and López. Giolito, 29, has a 3.79 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 121 innings this season, making him a valuable addition to the Angels’ rotation. López, also 29, has a 4.29 ERA in 43 appearances and provides depth to the bullpen.
The White Sox’s decision to trade Giolito and López comes as no surprise. Giolito’s contract extension negotiations with the team have been unsuccessful since 2021, and his performance in 2022 was a step back from his previous All-Star-caliber seasons. However, Giolito has bounced back this year, making him an attractive trade target for multiple contenders.
López’s inclusion in the trade was a strategic move by the White Sox. By acquiring both Quero and Bush, they secured the Angels’ top trade assets on the same night they announced their intention to be buyers in the trade market.
While the trade strengthens the Angels’ pitching staff, it comes with risks. Trading away their top prospects in Quero and Bush is a significant gamble for the Angels, who are banking on success in the 2023 season. The potential payoff is high, but the risk of mortgaging their future is equally substantial.
On the other hand, the White Sox received two rentals in Giolito and López. Giolito, a Southern California native, has had a solid season with a 116 ERA+ and 21 starts. He fills a need in the Angels’ rotation. López, although slightly above league average, has been a reliable reliever for the White Sox. However, his performance has dipped this year amid a disappointing season for the team.
The Angels’ acquisition of Giolito and López also has financial implications. With these additions, the team is set to exceed the luxury tax threshold for the first time in owner Arte Moreno’s tenure. This move signals a willingness to spend in order to build a competitive roster and potentially re-sign star player Shohei Ohtani in the long term.
In conclusion, the trade between the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox has shaken up the baseball world. The Angels have acquired two established pitchers in Giolito and López, strengthening their pitching staff for the 2023 season. However, this move comes at the cost of trading away their top prospects, which poses a significant risk for the future. Meanwhile, the White Sox have added promising young players in Quero and Bush, setting themselves up for success in the coming years. Only time will tell how this trade will impact both teams in the long run.