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White Sox GM won't lower asking price in any trade talks

Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports

Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn seems more than ready to win a staring contest against his fellow executives.

The rebuilding White Sox still have some valuable trade chips remaining to help expedite their program, including ace Jose Quintana - who's reportedly still drawing interest and being shopped ahead of Opening Day - and closer David Robertson, another name who was on the block over the winter.

Hahn acknowledged Thursday he's had some trade discussions with other clubs, but didn't specify what players, if any, were talked about. He did note, though, that he'll gladly sit on his assets until the right offer comes along - even if that's not until next year - to get the best possible value and help continue his full-scale rebuild.

"We've had conversations even this spring where if our asks were met, we'd make a move," Hahn told MLB.com's Scott Merkin on Thursday. "Obviously nothing has developed as of yet.

"But that could well change early in the season or it could take to the trade deadline or into the next offseason. We would love to move this thing along based strictly on our desire, but it's too important we do it right than to force the issue based on impatience. We don't have specific time frames on any of these things."

The White Sox dove into rebuild mode head-on over the winter, dealing away stars Chris Sale and Adam Eaton for large returns that included top prospects Yoan Moncada and Lucas Giolito, among others. Quintana and Robertson were the subject of many rumors in the winter, though they both remain members of the White Sox for now.

While it's not clear if Robertson still has any suitors, a report on Tuesday suggested Hahn is still fielding offers for Quintana, and is still seeking a large return a la the Sale deal. The Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates are all said to have continuing interest in the 28-year-old Colombian, who's had a red-hot March in both spring training and the World Baseball Classic, and is on a team-friendly contract that, when including club options, runs through 2020.

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