It's now past the point of calling the Chicago White Sox's season a fluke. They are a legit threat in the American League and should be looking to add at the trade deadline.
The youth movement in the South Side is working, and they are leading the AL Central by half a game, entering play on Saturday. The American League is very weak this year, and they should be able to make the postseason as a wild card even if they cannot win the division. The Cleveland Guardians are on their tail and the Detroit Tigers are heating up.
The White Sox are not going to trade for an expensive starter, but that does not mean they can't make a splash before the trade deadline. Freddy Peralta may be the best option for them at the deadline, and he could make a huge difference for them.
Peralta is a two-time All-Star, making just $8 million this year and staring at free agency in a couple of months. He has not been great for the Mets, and the pressures of a big market may be too much for him. He is a good pitcher, and a change of scenery could do him well.
He is not only affordable but would bring the White Sox some much-needed experience in the rotation. Sean Burke and Davis Martin are having great seasons, but Peralta has started big games and can be a true ace. He could be a huge factor as the White Sox look to win the division for the first time since 2021.