AL Central Notes: Sale trade, Indians figuring out pen’

That deal could have serious implications for both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox.

Of course, the White Sox will be in no hurry to trade Sale.

Word is that the Rangers, Dodgers and Red Sox are three of the teams talking to the White Sox and three of the potential landing spots, maybe the main three potential landing spots – though at the moment it’s hard to tell if any of them has a great chance to land the five-time All-Star.

It remains unclear if the Chicago White Sox are serious about dealing Chris Sale, but the club reportedly has at least had discussions regarding the ace left-hander. Reports have swirled for years now that the Dodgers aren’t satisfied with his presence in the clubhouse, and with his downturn in production after his outstanding rookie year, it isn’t surprising that they could be looking to move him out of town.

Ultimately, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski chose not to make one last splash before Monday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline, ensuring top prospects Andrew Benintendi and Yoan Moncada will stay in the organization. The Red Sox might not make many major moves, but could complete a deal or two.

It’s far more likely that Chicago could pry a promising-and-proven young big leaguer away in a trade during the offseason should talks centered around Sale and/or Quintana resume. Second baseman Yoan Moncada, largely considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, would nearly certainly have to be part of a deal, as would center fielder Andrew Benintendi.

The Red Sox also chose not to trade Clay Buchholz, though there’s always the chance they could pass him through waivers before August 31, since he’s making $13 million this season, and trade him later.