Leading the American League Central, the Chicago White Sox reportedly could be strengthening their team at the upcoming Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline. However, any additions will come with a strict caveat, according to one MLB insider.

In his Sunday column for USA Today, MLB insider Bob Nightengale wrote that the White Sox "badly want starting pitching." However, they will be in a race with several other teams for those same pitchers and will go into that race by telling teams they are not willing to trade any of their top 10 prospects.

Can Chicago White Sox win at MLB trade deadline without giving up top prospects?

While the White Sox may be looking for starting pitching, the South Side's bullpen has been dominant recently. Chicago's bullpen owns the second-best ERA (2.56) in MLB since June 23. During that time, Chicago relievers have allowed 32 earned runs in 112.2 IP with 127 strikeouts and a .202 opponent's batting average.

Chicago's starters, however, have been a mixed bag this season. The White Sox rank 15th among MLB's 30 teams with a 4.29 ERA from their rotation. 

Starting pitching is always a key in the postseason, and Chicago realizes it's an area where the team could use an upgrade. It's also a position where prospects are often used to land pitchers who can immediately make an impact. The White Sox, however, apparently aren't willing to mortgage the future to land a reinforcement for the present.

Chicago's top 3 prospects per MLB.com are also among baseball's top 100 prospects, with third baseman/shortstop Caleb Bonemer coming in as Chicago's highest-ranked prospect and No. 16 overall. Left-hander Hagen Smith (No. 2 for the White Sox and No. 51 overall) and shortstop Billy Carlson (No. 3 for the White Sox and No. 57 overall) round out Chicago's top three.

By reportedly taking those three and their other top prospects off the board, Chicago may well put itself at a disadvantage in any starting pitching trade talks. That disadvantage may include having to give up more lower-ranked prospects in any kind of potential deal.

Near future could determine trade deadline path for White Sox

Entering Sunday with a 54-49 record, the White Sox have a slim 1.5-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. Chicago is also entering a critical portion of their schedule, with Sunday's series finale at home against the Houston Astros followed by four home games against the New York Yankees. After that, the White Sox embark on a six-game, seven-day trip to face AL East beasts Tampa Bay and Boston.

The trade deadline will fall on an off day for the White Sox between the Tampa Bay and Boston series, giving Chicago a chance to evaluate exactly where it is after a significant portion of that grueling stretch.