ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — White Sox general manager Chris Getz is anteing up before the trade deadline, and he said he’s looking to put more chips on the table — but not all of them.
Late Saturday, he turned one hand into Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo. On Sunday, he said he still was monitoring the catcher market and anticipated making a move. He also said the market for rental players came with exorbitant costs and he didn’t want to hinder Sox teams in 2027 and 2028.
So while it’s unlikely Getz will go all in, he’s staying at the table.
“I don’t take any of this for granted,” he said.
Nor should he. Seasons like the one the Sox are experiencing are precious, and they still can help themselves before the deadline at 5 p.m. Monday. They took a big step toward improving their pitching staff by acquiring Castillo, a three-time All-Star who can give the Sox length and playoff experience, two things the rotation lacks.
Getz gave up veteran reliever Seranthony Dominguez, who lost the closer job, and two prospects, catcher Boston Smith and outfielder Nolan Jones. Smith was the Sox’ 15th-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, and Getz views him as a future major-leaguer, just not this season or next. The Sox acquired Jones from the Guardians in June.
The most interesting part of the deal was the financial aspect. In a very un-Sox-like move, they took on the remainder of Castillo’s hefty contract, which runs through next season. That means they’re paying what’s left of the $22.75 million Castillo is owed this year and all of it next year, totaling about $30 million. He also has a $25 million vesting option for 2028 if he throws 180 innings in 2027.
Castillo, 33, is in the fold for the Sox’ surprisingly open competitive window, which is being propped up by slugger Munetaka Murakami. He has one year left on his $34 million contract, and his next deal could triple that. It would be an even more un-Sox-like move to give a $100 million contract, considering they’re one of three MLB teams that never has done that.
So it’s important for Getz to act now, because it would be very Sox-like to push away from the table after dealing for Castillo, doing just enough to make the team better but not enough to push it over the top. Getz said the biggest motivating factor in making the deal was the big bump Castillo gave the Sox’ playoff probability this year and next. Imagine if Getz does more.
The Sox think they can help Castillo, who has what would be a career-worst 5.06 ERA. Getz blamed the piggyback role Castillo played out of the bullpen for much of the season before resuming his typical starter’s routine. Getz pointed to the Sox’ work with fireballing veteran Jordan Hicks, who has been lights-out lately, as evidence of what they could do for Castillo.
Getz also raved about Castillo’s reputation and the type of teammate he is. He figures to blend in with players who have formed a tight-knit group. Getz said that was important to him.
“I am sensitive to the clubhouse and not being disruptive to this group because they’ve done something really special,” he said. “Trying to find ways to really fuel this club without disrupting the chemistry that clearly exists within this clubhouse.”
Getz is saying everything Sox fans want to hear. But to ensure the Sox maintain their hold on first place in the American League Central, there’s more he can do. The team chose to move Erick Fedde to the bullpen and keep rookie Noah Schultz in the rotation, despite an erratic season. Another quality veteran starter would help.
After three consecutive seasons with 100-plus losses, the Sox aren’t asking fans for patience anymore. Even Getz sounds more practical than patient. But to take even more advantage of the hand he has been dealt, he needs to put in a few more chips.