White Sox somehow use former Guardian in trade package for division-altering starter

Last year, Nolan Jones somehow ended up playing in 136 games for the Guardians despite being a subpar outfielder who didn't make much of an impact on the diamond.

And although he hasn't played in a since big league game this season, he may have just played a huge part in swinging the power balance in the American League Central.

On Saturday night, the White Sox acquired starting pitcher Luis Castillo from the Mariners in exchange for a three player return that consists of reliever Seranthony Domínguez, prospect Boston Smith and Jones.

Not only is it a confusing trade in that it involves a big league flameout like Jones, but it also helps give the White Sox even more of an advantage over the struggling Guardians in the AL Central.

The White Sox somehow used Nolan Jones to help trade for Luis Castillo

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Mariners' return for Castillo is a bit light (all things considered) is because of Castillo's huge contract.

According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, the White Sox are going to pay the pro-rated amount of what he's owed this season and then the $22.75 million he's owed next year. There's also a vesting option for 2028.

Although Castillo has been a shutdown starter for the Mariners in recent years, this year has been his worst as a big leaguer. He has a 5.06 ERA in 20 appearances (99 2/3 innings) and was also a part of the Mariners' piggybacking plans earlier this year, though that didn't go well.

The White Sox are clearly banking on him returning back to his ace form where he posted a 3.50 ERA in 553 innings from 2023 to '25.

Meanwhile, Jones has spent all year in the minors, where he's posted a .257/.362/.445 slashline with 14 home runs and 59 RBI in 90 games with the Guardians' and White Sox's Triple-A affiliates.

The Guardians made the puzzling decision to sign him to a $2 million contract for 2026 despite how much he struggled the season prior, and (to the surprise of no one) non-tendered him ahead of Opening Day. The Guardians traded him to the White Sox in June.

Although Domínguez will be a big loss for the White Sox since he's pitched relatively well this season and was on an affordable contract, Chicago clearly saw an opportunity to bolster its average rotation and didn't mind the fact he had to be included.

Even if the Guardians made a trade deadline move of their own on Sunday, Chicago's move adds some urgency since they're now tied with the Twins for the final Wild Card spot and are three games behind the White Sox for first place.

The Twins have already made two moves of their own at the deadline, so it seems clear they're putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to being buyers.

And if that isn't enough, Jones now has a chance to haunt the Guardians in the final months of the season with the Mariners. It wouldn't be a surprise if he gets called up soon as Seattle navigates its outfield issues.

When the White Sox traded for Jones, it always seemed like there could be a chance he could haunt the Guardians by producing for Chicago's big league club. Instead, they managed to do something even worse — turn him into an asset that helps them acquire a pitcher who could meet the moment down the stretch.

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