MLB Trade Whispers: Should the Chicago White Sox Trade Jake Peavy?

The whispers that Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy is on the clock for a midseason trade have already begun.

According to the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo, Peavy— who leads the White Sox with three victories and a 3.38 ERA—has caught the attention of an AL East contender.

Quoting an unnamed general manager from the National League, Cafardo wrote last Sunday that the Baltimore Orioles are "looking to add that veteran, battle-tested pitcher to really finish off their staff and that Peavy type would be ideal.”

Would trading the stalwart of the White Sox rotation be the best course of action, though?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

In a posting for Sulia, Phil Rogers cites Gavin Floyd’s recent injury as one of the reasons why moving Peavy this season is prudent.

“Rather than chasing unlikely best-case scenarios and winding up with nothing,” Rogers wrote, the White Sox should become “trade-deadline sellers.”

After all, the investment in Floyd netted them exactly zero wins.

Why not sever ties with a pitcher who has real value now, instead of harboring an ill-conceived notion that this season will miraculously result in a playoff appearance? Makes sense, Phil.

There is also a very real concern about Peavy’s health.

Although he fully recovered from the detached latissimus dorsi injury he suffered in 2010, his recent bout of back spasms may be a precursor of future problems. 

Currently, there's a wealth of pitching in the minor leagues to take his place in the White Sox rotation.

Scott Snodgress, Erik Johnson and Jason Berken are just a few of the pitchers who have the talent to be on the 25-man roster. As a result, Peavy’s departure may not be as measurable as some fear.

And if the White Sox assume a large portion of the remaining dollars left on the right-hander’s contract, they may be able to get some highly-regarded prospects in return.

So—from both a payroll and prospect perspective—cutting ties now could work out.

To be fair, there is the faintest glimmer of hope.

After Tuesday night's domination at the hands of Matt Harvey, the White Sox are 13-18. That is exactly one game off the pace they were on in 2012 when they nearly took the AL Central from the Detroit Tigers.

What that tells us is that, no matter how frustrating this season has been, it is not over. 

It may be soon enough, though. 

And if the White Sox fall far enough out of contention as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches, not moving Peavy would be foolish.

In a season that began with high hopes, having to part ways with one of the most reliable starters in baseball would be fitting.

*Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.

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