The value of Cease at 5.7m this year and 2 more years of arbitration is pretty good. He's not having a great year, especially compared to last year where he was the runner up for AL Cy Young. Maybe he's one of those guys who just needs a change of scenery and new coaching, like Gerrit Cole who rebounded tremendously after leaving the Pirates.
Luis Robert is on a contract extension for 5 years, with the last 2 years being 20m each, but with a 2m buyouts. That is a very team friendly contract and should be a hot commodity at the trade deadline if the White Sox face reality and start selling.
Both of those guys are good assets and will require either more prospects in trade, or taking on junk contracts, and the Sox have a few big ones.
Moncada just can't stay healthy and is making 18.5m, 24m, 25m (5m buyout)
Lance Lynn is making 18.5m, 18m (1m buyout)
Tim Anderson 12.5m, 14m (1m buyout)
Yasmani Grandal could be an upgrade at Catcher for a half year rental at 18.5m. It would save the Sox some money, and help platoon the position for the Astros. Might be an opportunity for a win-win in the trade if Diaz needs to be included, however that harms the Astros future at the position.
If Crane is willing to take on some salary, the White Sox have plenty they would like to dump, they just have to figure out what they really want to do. They are currently 4th in the worst division in baseball and 17 games under .500. It should be time to tear it down, rebuild and fill up the farm system.