White Sox trade rumors: Chicago likely to target outfielders at trade deadline

The White Sox are likely to pursue outfield help in advance of this summer's non-waiver trade deadline, according to a report from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Cafardo notes that the team's potential targets include Jay Bruce (Reds), Brett Gardner (Yankees), Carlos Gonzalez (Rockies), Seth Smith (Mariners) and Nick Markakis (Braves).

Chicago has payroll room due to the $13 million that came off the books due to Adam LaRoche's shocking retirement in March, so any of the aforementioned players is considered a realistic possibility. Though the trade market is still in its very early stages of development, its a safe bet to say that most of, if not all, of those players will be readily available.

Cincinnati has been trying to trade Bruce for years, as evidenced by the club coming close to trading him to the Blue Jays before the beginning of the season. Gonzalez and Markakis are productive veterans on struggling teams, while Gardner and Smith will likely see their names pop up in rumors if their respective clubs continue to struggle.

The White Sox are currently operating with an outfield of Melky Cabrera, Austin Jackson and Adam Eaton, though struggles from Jackson (.225/.288/.622 in 102 at-bats) may force the team to look for other outfield options as the summer continues. Chicago attempted to add a star outfielder over the winter, showing strong interest in free-agent options like Yoenis Cespedes and Alex Gordon before opting to sign a cheaper option in Jackson.