Garrett Crochet’s name continues to headline trade rumors ahead of the July 30th deadline.
In Thursday’s latest report, MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted that the left-hander would prefer to stay in a starting role through the end of the year. Having already surpassed his career mark for innings thrown, Crochet would also like to seek a contract extension before pitching in October for any contender who might acquire him.
On top of all this, Crochet is not currently entertaining the idea of moving to the bullpen or taking any sort of break. The 25-year-old is very comfortable with his current starter routine and views it as the best option for his health both in the short term and long term.
This follows Ken Rosenthal’s Wednesday report for The Athletic, where he hinted at Crochet staying put until the offseason.
Some in the industry expect the Chicago White Sox to hold left-hander Garrett Crochet, believing that an even greater number of buyers will emerge in the offseason and that his value is greater in his additional two years of club control than in 2024.
At the moment, the teams with the most interest in Crochet are contenders. The list of suitors could expand in the offseason to include teams currently out of contention, but planning to compete in 2025. The Chicago Cubs, for example. The Blue Jays. Perhaps even the Nationals.
The Tennessee product is 6-7 with a 3.07 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 157 strikeouts over 21 starts. He’s already amassed a career-high 111.1 IP as of this article, resulting in caution not only from the White Sox but any team that might acquire him in the coming days. His previous high mark was just 54.1 IP back in 2021.
The White Sox currently have Crochet under control through the 2026 season, resulting in a hefty asking price for any potential suitors. While some have wondered about the likelihood of an extension with the White Sox, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on June 30 that the organization has “no optimism” regarding a long-term deal. Because of this, the club intends to deal the lefty before the calendar hits August.
Based on Nightengale’s previous report, 15 teams have already called to express their interest in Crochet. The Dodgers, who are one of the clear frontrunners in the sweepstakes, have already offered a package that was “quickly rejected” by Getz and Co. The biggest question mark, as mentioned earlier, is Crochet’s workload through the second half and into October. This alone could cause some teams to be hesitant to offer the farm, as the Sox are seeking “young prospects with enormous upside.”
As a pitcher who’s already suffered various injuries, including Tommy John surgery, there’s a risk that only increases the more Crochet throws this season. As expected, this is something that Crochet is mindful of and does not want to test unless he receives an extension to protect himself.
With only a few days separating us from the deadline, expect the rumors to continue and likely intensify.
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How did it happen that all of a sudden, the Dox can’t hit? When they get good innings from pitchers, hitting is non existent?