Sergio Santos for Nestor Molina

posted 12/6/11 12:51 PM PST
by Jason Martinez

We knew that the White Sox were very likely going to trade some of their best players this offseason. John Danks and Carlos Quentin are the two names that make the most sense, considering both have value and could make over $13 million combined in 2012 before hitting the free agent market after the season. But it was 28 year-old closer Sergio Santos, who is under team control for at least four more seasons on a club-friendly contract (3 yr, $8.25M with club options from 2015-17), that was the first to go in exchange for Blue Jays pitching prospect Nestor Molina. The Jays, meanwhile, have picked up their closer without having to overpay for a free agent or give up any of their top prospects. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.

Chicago White Sox
With a solid group of veteran relievers (Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain, Jason Frasor) and a couple of good power arms on the rise (Addison Reed, Jhan Marinez), the White Sox may be in better shape than it may seem after trading their closer. Then again, we can't forget how unstable the bullpen was when trying to close out games early last season before Santos solidified things after finally getting a chance. Despite a shaky September, the converted shortstop finished the season with a 3.55 ERA, 30 saves, and 13.1 K/9 ratio. The bullpen will also lose lefty Chris Sale, who is set to join the rotation in 2012 and Thornton could be a trade target for teams looking for a left-handed setup man.

Reed, a 3rd Round draft pick in 2010, appears to be the most likely 'Closer of the Future' after a season in which he earned a September promotion to the big leagues. The 22 year-old dominated at four full-season levels (AAA/AA/A+/A), posting a 1.26 ERA with a 12.8 K/9 and 4.9 H/9 in 43 appearances. He could begin the season in middle relief and ease his way into a bigger role later in the year.

As for Molina, the 22 year-old gives the team a likely future mid-rotation starter. The right-hander out of Venezuela put up impressive numbers in 2011, posting a 2.21 ERA with 16 BB and 148 K in 130.1 IP between Double-A and Hi-A. He could earn a late-season call-up with another solid season.

Toronto Blue Jays
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos continues to build a team that looks like it could be ready to contend in the AL East. While mid-level free agent relievers, such as Jonathan Broxton and Matt Capps, will make at least $4 million in 2012, the Jays will pay their closer $1 million in 2012 and just $8.25M through 2014. And those guys weren't good last year. Santos was great. If the Jays choose, they can keep Santos from 2015-2017 for an extra $22.75M. If he continues to pitch as he did last season, dominating at times with a mid-90's fastball and wicked slider, the deal would be a bargain.

Losing Molina shouldn't hurt the Jays long-term. They have a number of highly-regarded pitching prospects in their farm system, including Kyle Drabek, Drew Hutchison, Deck McGuire, Justin Nicolino, Aaron Sanchez, and Asher Wojciechowski. Their bigger need going into 2012 may be another top-of-the-rotation starter. Now that they've acquired a closer without spending any money, doing so could be a much easier task.