White Sox Dunn Clears Waivers

By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 9, 2013 9:05PM

The trade of Alex Rios to Texas isn’t the only move the White Sox made Friday. Slugger Adam Dunn, he of the mighty swing and hefty contract, cleared waivers and is now free to be traded to any team.

The main reason Dunn wasn’t claimed off waivers is the $20 million owed to him through the end of the 2014 season. ">As CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman notes, however, Dunn’s power numbers this season and recent performance make him desirable trade bait, provided the White Sox eat a portion of his remaining salary.

Dunn's overall numbers (26 home runs, 69 RBI, .227 average, .797 OPS) are decent but he has been hitting better in recent days, with a .297 batting average since the break and .391 (9 for 23) in August.

The Rangers and Orioles are two teams that might consider at least looking at DH, though the White Sox would presumably have to pay down significant dollars. Texas also has a greater need for a right-handed bat, not a lefty like Dunn.

Dunn has had a star-crossed career in Sox’ pinstripes since signing a four-year, $56 million deal with the club after the 2010 season. He hit 11 home runs in 2011 but bounced back to crank out 41 last season. Dunn knows how to draw a walk but is a prodigious strikeout artist; he’s whiffed 524 times as a White Sox in 1,328 at bats heading into this afternoon’s doubleheader against the Twins. And if this team has too much of something it’s strike out a lot.