White Sox could use Gavin Floyd as trading chip to get third baseman

The Chicago White Sox have limited money this offseason, lots of starting pitching, and no presumptive third baseman. Chicago GM Rick Hahn will be at baseball's winter meetings beginning on Wednesday, so it's time to start speculating about who Hahn might move to fill holes on the Pale Hose roster.

Since right-hander Gavin Floyd is under contract for only one more year, he seems the most likely pitcher to be traded, says Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago. Hahn, when asked about trading from rotation depth, has not been shy in speaking on the possibility:

"Nothing is set in stone in terms of, ‘Here’s our starting five. Here’s our back end of the rotation’ and this guy’s here. We will absolutely listen on any ideas and trades will be one of the avenues we pursue to potentially fill some of our holes."

Floyd's $9.5 million option was picked up last Tuesday, as the team signed Jake Peavy to a two-year deal. Chris Sale, John Danks and Jose Quintana will all be returning, and Hector Santiago could also move into the rotation.

Third base is only Chicago's most obvious hole, after they declined the option on Kevin Youkilis. Hahn can still sign Youkilis in free agency.