CESAR HERNANDEZ HEADS TO THE WHITE SOX
The Chicago White Sox acquired infielder Cesar Hernandez from the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Konnor Pilkington.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
The White Sox dealt with eternal city rivals (Cubs) as well as divisional foes (Cleveland) on this day! In Hernandez, the White Sox get a much-needed second baseman since Nick Madrigal is out for the rest of the season. Hernandez will provide major help at the keystone in the short term. Then, Chicago must decide whether to exercise his $6 million club option for 2022. Madrigal's injury may be the deciding factor.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
The Indians are currently eight games behind Chicago in the AL Central division, and five and a half games out of the wild card race. So, they are selling their second baseman in this deal to the team they are chasing. Interesting. Pilkington looks like a solid starting pitching prospect, so not all is lost for Cleveland here. They will also audition a few internal options at second base now to replace Hernandez.
Fantasy impact
Hernandez is a solid fantasy second baseman, so that does not change after the move to the White Sox. However, his long-range value is now in doubt, depending on what happens in the off-season. For now, he should continue to produce. Pilkington should now be on the keeper radar, and he might come quickly to MLB after the move to Cleveland.
