Not too long ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation was strong, stable, and looking like it was only going to get better with further additions from the injured list. As a unit, they were performing like one of MLB’s best and were complemented by an elite bullpen.
Fast forward to today and the group has been in a rough patch both due to players struggling, and more injuries. Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller have both been ineffective when starting this year, and the club has given both of them time to work on things.
Tyler Glasnow has not been the ace-caliber arm he was to start the season and landed on the IL for two weeks. Yoshinobu Yamamoto remains on the 60-day injured list with no set timeline for a return, and Dustin May is out for the season.
Clayton Kershaw just returned from the IL for his first start of the season, but he remains a question mark moving forward, and Gavin Stone has seen a dip in his production.
The Dodgers rotation is vulnerable and has relied on rookies Justin Wrobleski, Landon Knack and River Ryan to help them find some production.
The trade market remains an option to help the team give their rotation a much needed shot in the arm, and Garrett Crochet has been heavily linked to the Dodgers for some time.
But if the Dodgers really want Crochet, it is going to come with a hefty price tag, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
The White Sox have informed teams they are seeking young prospects with enormous upside.
The Chicago White Sox own the worst record in MLB and there has been an expectation they trade Crochet before this year’s trade deadline. In addition to the enormous prospect haul, the Dodgers are sure to face some stiff competition for Crochet’s services.
Crochet has been one of MLB’s top pitchers this year, so it’s easy to see why the White Sox have so many suitors for the young left-hander. Add in the fact that Crochet is a cost-controlled starter with two years of team control remaining after the 2024 season, and it explains why the White Sox’s asking price is so high.
However, there are other factors that complicate a deal, one most notably focused on Crochet’s innings. He is now in his first year as a starting pitcher and has more than doubled his previous career-high in innings.
That makes him a question mark for the postseason, and how long he can remain on top of his game is on the top of everyone’s minds.
Garrett Crochet makes demands to any acquiring team
In addition to the complications, Crochet made some demands to any team that would be looking to acquire him.
While the bullpen has been talked about as a solution for his innings total, Crochet is planning to remain in the starting rotation for the rest of the 2024 season and wants a contract extension if the expectation is to pitch in the playoffs.
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