Report: White Sox eyeing Escobar, Frazier as potential trade targets

The Chicago White Sox are looking to the trade market to bolster their injury-depleted lineup, with Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Eduardo Escobar and Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Adam Frazier among their potential targets, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The White Sox recently lost second baseman Nick Madrigal for the season due to a torn hamstring. Chicago is also without injured outfielders Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert, though each could be available to return late in the campaign.

Chicago is 2 1/2 games up on the Cleveland Indians for the AL Central lead despite the rash of injuries to its position players. The Diamondbacks and Pirates, meanwhile, own the two worst records in the National League and could look to sell ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

Escobar, 32, is in the final season of a three-year, $21-million contract with Arizona. He's hitting .242/.290/.466 with 16 home runs in 72 games this season. Escobar has primarily served as the Diamondbacks' third baseman, but he's logged 218 1/3 innings at the keystone in 2021.

A trade to the White Sox would represent a homecoming of sorts after Escobar started his professional career with Chicago; he appeared in 45 games for the White Sox from 2011-12 before they dealt him to the Minnesota Twins.

Frazier, 29, has one more year of arbitration before hitting free agency following the 2022 campaign. He's been one of the lone bright spots for the Pirates this season, batting .324/.390/.463 while leading the senior circuit in hits (91) and doubles (24).