Guardians, Twins, White Sox aggressive in pitching market

Could AL Central-rival Twins, Guardians and White Sox all be making a run at Athletics starting pitcher Frankie Montas? Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Guardians, Twins, White Sox among 'most aggressive teams' in pitching market

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/28/22

The Cleveland Guardians franchise hasn't won a World Series since 1948, despite having appeared in the Fall Classic four times since then, including three times since 1995. The Minnesota Twins last won a title in 1991, but haven't advanced past the division series in 20 years and haven't even won a postseason contest in their last six appearance dating back to 2006.

The Chicago White Sox have had the most recent success of the three AL Central teams, winning it all in 2005, but since then, haven't made it past the divisional round, either.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, all three clubs are looking for an upgrade in the pitching department ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

The Twins, Guardians & White Sox - separated by just 3 games in the AL Central - are among the most aggressive teams in the pitching market right now, per sources. According to one executive from a potential seller, “They all think they have a shot and are trying to get better.”
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 28, 2022

While it's not clear whether the Guardians, Twins and White Sox are more focused on starting pitching or bullpen help, there seems to be at least a couple of top-tier starters available for the right cost. Cincinnati Reds All-Star Luis Castillo and Oakland Athletics ace Frankie Montas have dominated the trade rumor mill all summer, and even reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has been tossed around as a possible trade candidate.

Led by former AL Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber and All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, the Guardians rank fifth in the American League in team ERA (3.89). Rookie righthander Joe Ryan paces the Twins starting rotation, but the team's bullpen has been a weak spot, with no clear closer, and the White Sox's starters have struggled outside of Dylan Cease, ranking 10th in the AL with a 4.02 team ERA.

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