Why Aaron Civale's White Sox stint could make him a must-watch name ahead of MLB trade deadline

Time of India

14 hours ago

Aaron Civale's fresh chapter with White Sox could be a perfect setup for a major deadline move (Getty Images)
Aaron Civale didn't have to wait long for his wish to be granted. After being pushed to the bullpen by the Milwaukee Brewers, the veteran right-hander made it clear that he wanted out if he wasn't going to remain in the starting rotation.
Less than 24 hours later, the Brewers responded—sending him to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for struggling first baseman Andrew Vaughn.
Traded for Vaughn, Aaron Civale now aims to shine and cash in with
White Sox
before deadline
While the deal sends Aaron Civale from a playoff-contending roster to one of MLB's worst-performing teams this season, the move could work in his favor. 'Just because you ask for a trade, doesn't mean you get to dictate where you go,' the reality for many players lacking a no-trade clause.
Still, the White Sox offer something valuable: opportunity.
Civale turns 30 this week and carries with him the experience of seven seasons as a starter across Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Milwaukee. He owns a career 4.06 ERA, and posted a respectable 3.84 ERA across 19 starts for the Brewers after being acquired last July. But with the emergence of flame-throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who dazzled in his MLB debut with a 102-mph fastball and a no-hit performance into the sixth inning, Civale found himself pushed out of Milwaukee's rotation.
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The Brewers also included cash in the deal to help balance the financial difference between Civale's $8 million salary and Vaughn's $5.85 million contract. Vaughn, once a highly touted prospect with 77 home runs over four and a half seasons, has seen his stock plummet. He was recently sent down to the minors after posting a career-low .532 OPS.
While the White Sox are far from playoff contention, their interest in Civale is strategic.
They aren't building around him—but they are hoping he rebuilds his value. With free agency looming, Civale has a window to prove he still belongs in a starting rotation, and not the bullpen. If he delivers strong performances, Chicago could flip him at the trade deadline for a valuable young prospect, and Civale could find himself back on a contender before October.
More importantly, his future earnings may depend on how he's perceived over the next few months. 'If he's a bullpen arm, and seen as a bullpen arm, he'll be paid as a bullpen arm.' But if he reestablishes himself as a dependable starter, Civale could land a multi-year deal in the offseason.
It's not the destination Civale likely had in mind—but if he delivers on the mound, it might just be the career move that sets him up for success both competitively and financially.
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