Ryan Cordell is a new member of the chicago white sox. The outfielder was acquired in a trade on Tuesday night, continuing a spree of transactions from a team that is looking to build for the future. There's a reason why the team felt comfortable acquiring him straight-up for Anthony Swarzak who heads to the Milwaukee Brewers. So why was the team so interested in Ryan Cordell?
Meet Ryan Cordell
Cordell was drafted out of Liberty University by the Texas Rangers in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He slowly progressed through the organization's minor league system, earning MILB Texas League Player of the Month honors at the beginning of the 2016 season.
His time with the Rangers wasn't destined to last, though. When the team acquired Jonathan Lucroy at last year's trade deadline, they sent the Milwaukee Brewers a player to be named later. Cordell became that player.
In the eyes of many, Cordell is ready to contribute to the major-league level right now. He projects as a marginal starting outfielder going forward, but the 25-year-old can help pick up some playing time over the next two months for a White Sox team suddenly bereft of major league talent. He is dealing with a back injury that has sidelined him since late June, but he had a strong spring training which prompted a strong season in Triple-A. He is hitting .284 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs at that level this season.
White Sox continue rebuild
It has been a frenzy of activity for the White Sox recently, and the acquisition of Cordell is unlikely to be the final move made by the team before the trade deadline. A few days ago, they dealt Todd Frazier, David Robertson, and Tommy Kahnle to the New York Yankees for prospects Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, Tito Polo, and veteran reliever Tyler Clippard.
Prior to that, they sent ace Jose Quintana to the crosstown Chicago Cubs for prospects Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, Matt Rose, and Bryant Flete.
The roster teardown began long before the trade deadline, though. During the offseason, the team dealt outfielder Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals for a package that included star pitching prospect Lucas Giolito.
They also dealt ace Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox for a package that included one of the top prospects in baseball, third baseman Yoan Moncada. It may take a few years, but the White Sox ultimately hope to reap the benefits of all of these transactions and build a World Series roster.
