The Chicago White Sox faced scrutiny after trading 21-year-old pitching prospect Cristian Mena to the Arizona Diamondbacks for outfielder Dominic Fletcher, a defense-oriented player. Many observers were puzzled by the decision, particularly given Mena's impressive performanceâ136 strikeouts in 114 innings at AA last season and managing to reach AAA at just 20 years old. Fans viewed Mena as a significant asset, reminiscent of past regrettable trades involving valuable prospects, which adds weight to the concern that this decision might be one the White Sox come to regret as Mena's career progresses.
Unfortunately, Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz traded away one of those promising 21-year-old pitching prospects before the 2024 season, and he may live to regret it.
Mena had just turned 21 in December of 2023, and was showing the ability to get batters out at levels above his age.
There was plenty of time for him to grow into a long-term major league asset.
Trading a young starter with quite a bit of promise for a 26 year-old defense-first outfielder was a bit of a head-scratcher for many, myself included.
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