The trade market for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet remains hot despite some concerns about playoff availability.
The All-Star starter had expressed his desire for a contract extension from a team that trades for him at the 2024 Trade Deadline. This has caused rumors centered around him not participating in the postseason without a contract extension and also requesting that he not be transitioned to a bullpen role during the playoffs.
Despite this, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that his market “remains active” and that the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are notable suitors.
“The market for Crochet remains active, according to sources briefed on the trade discussions involving him,” Rosenthal wrote. “While certain teams are reluctant to move forward because of his reported refusal to pitch in the playoffs without a contract extension, other clubs continue to pursue him. The San Diego Padres and Dodgers, two clubs in the mix from the start, are believed to be among them.”
Crochet is 6-7 with a 3.07 ERA in 111.1 innings during 2023. This is his first season as a traditional starter and he has already doubled his previous season high of innings pitched.
While this transition makes him more valuable on the trade market, it still presents concerns for a contending team that will likely have to monitor his innings to avoid injury. The Dodgers surely have experience with this, as Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, and Tyler Glasnow have all spent time on the injured list this season.
May is out for the year, but the others have either returned or should return by season’s end. This could help the team ease Crochet’s load as the season continues, and he could fit into their future plans as well. The Dodgers are currently 62-43 and lead the NL West.
The Padres are right behind Los Angeles at 56-50 and currently hold the final Wild Card spot. Crochet would bolster the rotation and could play a key role in getting San Diego back to the postseason after missing in 2023.
The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is set for July 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
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