Though White Sox are in win-now mode, Rick Hahn is wary of compromising future

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CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- When the MLB lockout ended on March 10 and teams commenced their offseason work in earnest, there was a sense of urgency around the league’s 30 front offices.

But for general manager Rick Hahn and his White Sox, urgency can’t be confused with desperation in the effort to fortify the reigning AL Central champions. It’s why Hahn has held firm in negotiations regarding potential trades – and stood by his belief in players who can help the White Sox in 2022 and beyond.

On Monday night – the eve of the White Sox's home opener at Guaranteed Rate Field – Hahn heard the false rumors of his team nearing a deal to acquire Athletics right-hander Frankie Montas in trade. Oakland is interested in acquiring Chicago first baseman/outfielder Andrew Vaughn, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.

Without acknowledging the specifics of that unfounded report, Hahn on Tuesday pointed to the delicate balance of competing for a championship in the present while also prioritizing sustained success. It’s why the White Sox are so reluctant to part with Vaughn.

“Ultimately, all 30 (general managers) are probably guilty of loving our own players too much and you have to part with guys that you really believe in when you’re trying to feed the championship aspiration,” Hahn said. “The goal is trying to balance achieving what you’re trying to achieve in the current season without compromising the future of competitiveness too much.

“That’s part of the reason I laugh a little bit joking about the rumors of last night. We’re not looking to rob Peter to pay Paul to make this team better. Guys that we view as important to helping this team win wouldn’t be the first ones out the door as we try to make this team better.”

Vaughn slashed .235/.309/.396 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs over 469 plate appearances as a rookie in 2021. He has started 4-for-10 with two home runs and six RBIs this season, one in which the White Sox won two of three games against the Tigers over the weekend.

The Athletics have moved toward a complete rebuild with trades of first baseman Matt Olson (to the Braves), third baseman Matt Chapman (Blue Jays) and left-hander Sean Manaea (Padres). Montas, who was dealt by the White Sox in a trade for third baseman Todd Frazier back in 2015, is now one of the best pitchers available on the trade market.

Just three games into the season, the White Sox have already had their depth tested with right-hander Lance Lynn (knee), right-hander Lucas Giolito (abdominal strain), third baseman Yoan Moncada (oblique) and outfielder A.J. Pollock (hamstring) landing on the injured list.

Lynn is expected to be out until late May or June after undergoing a procedure on his knee last week. Moncada is likely to miss three weeks with his injury. Meanwhile, the hope is Giolito and Pollock can return shortly after their respective 10-day stints on the injured list.

With those timelines in mind, Hahn isn't concerned about replacing those injured players just days into the new season.

“Yes, we have lofty long-term goals,” Hahn said. “We are not losing sight of those. But right now, it’s a matter of let’s get through the next few weeks.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.

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