The Chicago White Sox have emerged as one of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2026. After finishing last season with a dismal 60-102 record, Chicago has flipped the script, climbing to the top of the AL Central with a 36-31 mark.
The club has also won six of its last 10 games, showing little indication that its strong start is fading.
Because of their unexpected success, the White Sox are shaping up as potential buyers ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
With the American League Wild Card race expected to be highly competitive, adding talent could strengthen their chances of securing a postseason berth.
One team worth monitoring as a potential trade partner is the New York Mets. Despite an aggressive offseason spending spree, New York has struggled to a disappointing 29-37 record.
If the Mets fail to turn things around, they could be forced to move some valuable pieces before the deadline.
Two players who could attract Chicago’s attention are pitcher Freddy Peralta and versatile infielder/outfielder Brett Baty.
Both could fill important needs for a White Sox club looking to contend now while also building for the future.
Peralta, in particular, has generated significant trade speculation. The 30-year-old right-hander is headed for free agency after the season, and if the Mets fall out of contention, they may decide to move him rather than risk losing him without compensation.
For Chicago, adding an experienced frontline starter could provide a major boost during a playoff push.
In 14 starts this season, Peralta owns a 4-5 record, a 4.04 ERA, and 79 strikeouts. While those numbers are down from last year’s standout campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers, when he went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA and earned his second All-Star selection, his overall track record remains attractive. As a result, he is expected to draw interest from numerous contenders if made available.
Baty would offer a different kind of value. The former first-round pick still possesses considerable upside despite not fully breaking out with the Mets.
A change of scenery could help unlock his potential, and his ability to play both the infield and outfield would give Chicago additional flexibility.
Through 62 games this season, Baty has recorded three home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .231 batting average. Those numbers follow a 2025 campaign in which he posted career highs with 18 home runs, 50 RBIs, 100 hits, and a .254 average across 130 games.
While he remains a work in progress, his age, versatility, and upside could make him an appealing target for a White Sox team looking to strengthen both its present and future.
