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Report: White Sox exploring trade for Dodgers' Ethier

Stephen Dunn / Getty Images Sport / Getty

After compiling the second-lowest WAR among American League outfields last season, the Chicago White Sox are reportedly considering a trade for Los Angeles Dodgers veteran Andre Ethier.

Sources tell Phil Rogers of MLB.com the White Sox are "exploring" the possibility of acquiring Ethier, whose market could expand now that several of the top free-agent outfielders have signed. Rogers notes that the Dodgers would instead prefer to deal Carl Crawford, who's owed $41.75 million through 2017.

Ethier, who turns 34 in April, remains under contract for the next two seasons at a total of $38 million. His contract includes a 2018 vesting option for $17.5 million, which becomes guaranteed with either 550 plate appearances in 2017 or 1,100 PAs in 2017-18.

Though Ethier's offensive production has waned in recent years, he remains exceptionally durable, appearing in at least 126 games in each of his 10 major-league seasons, and a potent option from the left side (.900 OPS vs. right-handers in 2015). A two-time All-Star, Ethier slashed .294/.366/.486 with 14 homers and 20 doubles over 445 plate appearances last season.

The White Sox have also been linked to free-agent center fielder Dexter Fowler this winter after the club's outfielders posted a combined 3.2 WAR in 2015 - the fifth-lowest mark in baseball. Chicago's projected outfield for 2016 is expected to see Adam Eaton in center field, with Melky Cabrera and Avisail Garcia on either side.

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