Despite playoff concerns, the trade market for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochette remains hot.
The All-Star starting pitcher has made it clear that he wants to sign a contract extension with any team that trades him before the 2024 trade deadline, which has led to rumors that he may request to sit out the postseason or transition to a bullpen role during the playoffs if he doesn’t receive an extension.
Nonetheless, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that his market “remains active,” with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres as potential suitors.
“The market for Crochette remains active, according to sources briefed on the trade talks,” Rosenthal wrote. “Some teams have been reluctant to move him due to reports he won’t pitch in the playoffs without a contract extension, but others remain in the running to acquire him, including the San Diego Padres and Dodgers, who were both early suitors.
Crochette is 6-7 with a 3.07 ERA in 111.1 innings in 2023. This is his first season as a traditional starter, and he’s already doubled his best innings pitched last season.
The move makes him more valuable on the trade market, but it’s still a concern for championship-contenders who will need to monitor his innings to avoid injury. The Dodgers certainly have experience with this, with Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler and Tyler Glasnow all on injured reserve this season.
While May is out for the season, the others are either back or scheduled to return before the season ends. This will allow the team to ease Crochette’s burden for the remainder of the season, and he may be factored into the team’s future plans. The Dodgers are currently 62-43 and in first place in the National League West.
The Padres are tied for second behind Los Angeles with a 56-50 record and currently hold the final wild-card spot, and Crochette could bolster the starting lineup and play a key role in helping San Diego return to the postseason after missing the playoffs in 2023.
The 2024 MLB trade deadline is set for July 30th at 6pm ET.
