White Sox trade Jesse Crain to Tampa Bay

Sign of the season: The first of the major trade candidates to leave was the one who wasn't even active.

The White Sox shipped injured reliever Jesse Crain to the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon for the multipurpose player "Future Considerations." The move has not been announced, but Buster Olney broke it and everybody who's anybody has confirmed it, with handshakes abound in the White Sox's clubhouse at Progressive Field.

The Rays like the report on Crain's sore shoulder, which is why they made the deal. Jon Heyman says the White Sox will receive either players to be named later or cash in the deal, and it's likely contingent on how often and/or how well Crain can pitch for Joe Maddon.

Rick Hahn apparently had been shopping Crain the hardest, since Crain is a free agent at the end of the year and wouldn't get through the waiver wire without being claimed by a team who wouldn't need him. Jeff Passan said Hahn aimed higher:

Before Jesse Crain was dealt, the White Sox had considered packaging him with Jake Peavy or other players. GM Rick Hahn being very creative.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2013

The Sox made it official -- "players to be named later or cash considerations." Doug Padilla says indications are the return will be based on how much Crain pitches.

From the press release:

“Jesse has been one of the top relievers in the American League, not only this season but also throughout his entire tenure with the White Sox,” said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. “We cannot say enough about what Jesse has meant to our bullpen, and the positive impact he’s had on our young relievers. We certainly think he has the ability to influence this year’s pennant race very positively for the Rays.”