Throughout the offseason, we'll be taking a look at the top news and rumors from the Hot Stove League.
RUMOR: The White Sox want to sign either Alex Gordon or Yoenis Cespedes, but only if they're willing to take a three-year deal or less.
REPORTED BY: USA Today's Bob Nightengale
THE DETAILS: Having already made two big trades this offseason, the White Sox are attempting to further strengthen their roster in the suddenly competitive AL Central. Gordon and Cespedes have both played in the division before, but Chicago is unwilling to give either a massive contract.
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The White Sox currently have Melky Cabrera and Adam Eaton entrenched at center field and left field, respectively, but they have expressed interest in trading right fielder Avisail Garcia. Both Cespedes and Gordon are listed as left fielders, but Chicago must feel they're capable of sliding over because Cabrera is strictly a left fielder.
LAST SEASON: Gordon, while struggling through injuries, finished with a .271/.377/.432 slash line with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. It was his worst statistical season since 2010, but the 31-year-old should be a solid bounce-back candidate next season. Cespedes, on the other hand, dazzled with the Tigers, then helped lead the Mets to the playoffs. His production tapered off during the postseason, but he finished the regular season with a .291/.328/.542 slash line, 35 home runs and 105 RBIs.
OUR TAKE: The additions of infielders Brett Lawrie and Todd Frazier instantly made this team a contender. The starting rotation could still use some work behind ace Chris Sale, but adding a guy like Gordon to an already solid lineup would put them in the discussion for best lineups in baseball. Star first baseman and fellow Cuban Jose Abreu is trying to recruit Cespedes over to Chicago's South Side and may get his wish. If Chicago fails on both Cespedes and Gordon, the Sox could turn their attention to Justin Upton, who is not a bad consolation prize.