White Sox farm untouched during 2020 trade deadline

Like so many other things in 2020, #HugWatch was canceled.

The annual tradition of scouring minor league games to see players getting pulled and hugging teammates did not happen during Monday’s trade deadline. For White Sox fans, there would be no hugs to watch for this season. The team stood pat during the trade deadline.

The team was openly involved in a number of discussions surrounding starting pitchers in the days and weeks leading up to the deadline. Late Sunday night rumors began to swirl that a trade had been completed and was being finalized. But the team ultimately decided to continue their commitment to young prospects and stay the course for the rest of 2020.

Conversations for the Sox had been centered around the Texas Rangers and Lance Lynn, the Brewers about Brandon Woodruff and even with Cleveland about Mike Clevinger. The White Sox were reportedly hottest on the tail of Lynn, who seemed all but guaranteed to be moved. The White Sox were competing with the Dodgers and Yankees on Lynn, but all three teams ultimately felt his price was too high.

Names that had been speculated as a potential return for a pitcher like Lynn included Dane Dunning, Andrew Vaughn and Michael Kopech. Fans debated which of the three prospects they were most comfortable parting with for contention in 2020, but that debate became a moot point as the clock ticked past 3:00 p.m. and all remained silent. The organization balked at asking prices and remained steadfast in their commitment to their top prospects.

Hahn on standing pat: ‘It came down to not wanting to do anything that was going to compromise what we're excited about over better part of next decade."

— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) August 31, 2020

Andrew Vaughn has been very impressive, per Hahn. A lot of conversations about him, both withing the organization and from other teams trying to obtain him. Hahn said nothing is certain but he could help the team this season.

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) August 31, 2020

Hahn on Kopech: "We still view him as a premium piece on a very good team for a long time. So, in order to be motivated to move someone like that, we’d have to feel we are having something similar walk in the door. We still think very highly of Michael."

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) August 31, 2020

What this means for the farm is that there should be a number of farmhands continuing to make their debuts in 2020 and 2021. The White Sox are tied for first in the AL Central, but will continue to focus on sustained success in the future and the development of young players.

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