Garrett Crochet remains the top available starting pitcher on the market with the 2024 MLB trade deadline just days away, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have him at the top of their wish list.
The Dodgers made an offer to the Chicago White Sox early in the process for Crochet, but the deal was turned down. Since then, they have continued to hold discussions, which even expanded to potentially include Luis Robert Jr. and Michael Kopech.
But in recent days, the trade discussions teams have been having for Crochet became more of a challenge as he made multiple demands to any team who would be acquiring him. Crochet will be sticking to his plan of staying in the rotation for the rest of the season, and in addition, he would only pitch in the postseason with a contract extension.
While that may take many teams out of the running for Crochet, the Dodgers remain focused on adding him, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
Still, teams like the Dodgers remain unfazed, badly coveting Crochet, and wonder if it’s nothing more than a negotiating ploy.
Crochet is under team control via salary arbitration through the 2026 season, but he is being paid just $800,000 this year despite posting Cy Young-level results.
The White Sox were hoping to get an extension done, but did not make any progress on a potential deal, which has fueled speculation they will move forward with a trade at the deadline.
While Crochet has been one of MLB’s best pitchers this season, he comes with durability concerns. The 25-year-old is in his first full season coming off Tommy John surgery, and in addition to that, it’s his first full year starting.
He has more than doubled his season-high innings pitched total already, which is why there was thought he could pitch out of the bullpen moving forward. However, that would affect his salary in arbitration, which is why Crochet has demanded to stick in his role.
A financial commitment is a fair ask from Crochet to risk his health moving forward as he continues to blow past his previous high in innings, or change his role. Now it becomes whether the Dodgers, or any teams, are willing to meet that ask, or call his bluff.
White Sox want ‘enormous upside’ prospects for Garrett Crochet
The cost for the southpaw comes with a hefty price tag, and it may require multiple prospects with huge upside to get a deal done. The Dodgers have highly-regarded prospects, including Josue De Paula, River Ryan and Dalton Rushing, among others.
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