CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Despite White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet’s recent request that he wants a contract extension if he’s to pitch in the playoffs – a development that has complicated his trade market – rival clubs continue to circle the wagons on him.
The Dodgers, Orioles, Red Sox, Braves and Phillies have all continued to show interest in Crochet, sources said Monday evening. The MLB trade deadline looms at 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday.
Crochet, 25, has a 3.23 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 22 starts this season, his first as a starter in the big leagues. He has been dominant for long stretches while striking out 12.6 batters per nine innings. He’s under contract control through the 2026 season.
Whether a deal will get done remains unclear. Crochet's agency has also indicated he doesn't want to be used in a bullpen role. Crochet and his representation have set those parameters with his health in mind, as he missed all of the 2022 season and much of 2023 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. Crochet has thrown 114 1/3 innings this season. He had thrown just 73 innings in the big leagues prior to 2024.
Crochet’s workload and the possibility that he could sit out the playoffs is a concern for teams interested in trading for him, but as White Sox general manager Chris Getz hinted at Monday, some clubs were more perplexed by his agency’s demand than they are Crochet’s health.
“It definitely created some questions,” Getz said. “The short-term and long-term consequences are unknown.”
Some around the industry believe that an acquiring team could find a way to work with Crochet to appease all parties involved.
“Crochet will be a difference-maker for a contending team regardless of what his agents said about him not pitching unless he got an extension,” an American League executive said Monday. “Crochet will help a team win the next two years after this season ends. If handled properly, with the right conversations, he will help a club in some important role this year. You don't get a chance to find a top pitcher like that often. You must get creative.”
The White Sox signing Crochet to an extension is a non-starter at this time. At an MLB-worst 27-82 and riding a franchise-worst 15-game losing streak, they’re in full rebuild mode and a couple years away from spending in free agency.
Earlier Monday, the White Sox traded right-hander Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham to the Cardinals as well as reliever Michael Kopech to the Dodgers in a three-team deal that sent three young infielders back to Chicago.
“It also goes back to what is good for the long-term health of the White Sox,” Getz said. “We are weighing all those things as we stay focused on making the right decisions.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.