Happy Trade Deadline Day, White Sox fans!
As the clock inches closer to 5:00 p.m. CT, the White Sox remain active in conversations with several teams. Let’s run through the latest rumors worth following throughout the day.
Nightengale: Garrett Crochet “likely” to be moved ahead of deadline
For better or worse, Garrett Crochet has remained the talk of the deadline.
According to Bob Nightengale earlier this morning, the White Sox still believe their prized starter will get moved today despite rattling the market with his comments made last week.
Crochet and his agent surprised the White Sox and suitors by saying that the left-hander would not only like to remain in the starting rotation should he be dealt, but that he’d also seek a contract extension before pitching for a contender in October. It’s a smart play financially, as he ensures he gets paid and has insurance in case of overextending in his first year following Tommy John surgery. For the White Sox, however, it makes things tougher, as there is now a stipulation that makes him less likely to be available in October.
Many were caught off guard, including GM Chris Getz, who spoke to the matter on Monday afternoon.
The White Sox currently have Crochet under control through the 2026 season, resulting in a hefty asking price to go along with the new uncertainty. While some have wondered about the likelihood of an extension from Chicago’s end, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on June 30 that the organization has “no optimism” regarding a long-term deal. Getz’s comments on Monday didn’t particularly instill confidence when asked whether a long-term deal was possible.
Based on Nightengale’s previous reports, upwards of 15 teams have called to express their interest in Crochet. The Dodgers, who are one of the clear frontrunners in the sweepstakes, already offered a package that was “quickly rejected” by Getz and Co. The Yankees were also told several days ago that they don’t match up, per Jon Heyman.
Though it’s likely Los Angeles and others with enough prospect capital remain engaged, it wouldn’t be surprising for the White Sox to go the Dylan Cease route and wait to trade Crochet this offseason.
Romero: Luis Robert Jr. expected to remain with White Sox
All reports continue to indicate that White Sox centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. will not be traded ahead of the deadline.
MLB insider Francys Romero was the first to suggest this on Monday afternoon, with MLB.com’s Scott Merkin and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale among those confirming similar rumblings. Nightengale also went as so far to say that Robert Jr. “has drawn little interest” from possible suitors.
Robert Jr., 26, is hitting .221/.290/.451 with 12 homers and .741 OPS over 224 plate appearances after missing approximately two months with a hip flexor strain. The White Sox are likely better off holding further discussions until this offseason, giving their centerfielder time to re-establish his value over the final two months of the season.
Bowden: Eloy Jimenez among best players that could be traded
Could we see Eloy Jimenez on the move?
Jim Bowden of CBS Sports listed the team’s designated hitter as being among the best players who could be traded today.
Given Jimenez’s extensive injury history, it’s hard to tell what his market looks like currently. There have been very little in the way of rumors leading up to the deadline, making it possible that he’s packaged in a deal with another player to increase the team’s return. Otherwise, it seems likely that he’ll be staying put.
Sherman: Tanner Banks drawing interest from several teams
With Michael Kopech shipped off to the Dodgers, the White Sox are now fielding offers for their next-best relief option.
According to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the Mets are among the teams who have been in conversations over left-hander Tanner Banks.
Banks, 32, has been solid this season with a 4.13 ERA, 3.28 FIP, 27% strikeout rate, and 7.3% walk rate over 48 innings thrown. On top of that, he’s controllable for the foreseeable future as he’s still two seasons away from qualifying for arbitration. Though not viewed as a primary target for teams, Banks is still a nice alternative for those looking to strengthen their bullpen.
The Athletic: Mets interested in John Brebbia
As with Banks, the Mets are also looking at right-hander John Brebbia. The Athletic’s Tim Britton and Will Sammon were the first to report New York’s interest even after the team added Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek.
Leading up to last night’s disastrous outing, Brebbia has long been viewed as someone likely to land elsewhere by the deadline. His 30% strikeout rate to go against his 6.6% walk percentage should be enough to garner some attention from suitors, despite a 5.71 ERA and .346 average on balls in play. For both Brebbia and Banks, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them paired with another player to help strengthen their return.
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Featured Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
