Yankees Face Steep Price in Blockbuster Trade for MLB Strikeout Leader

As the New York Yankees limp toward the All-Star break, having giving up the American League East lead to the Baltimore Orioles in the process, it’s a near certainty they will have to be active ahead of the trade July 30 deadline to reinforce World Series aspirations.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman apparently has his eyes on a blockbuster acquisition, as the team reportedly has been negotiating with the Chicago White Sox about a trade for Garrett Crochet, MLB’s leader in strikeouts.

If the Yankees want to bolster their pitching staff with an impact arm such as Crochet, however, it might come at a significant cost.

“The Chicago White Sox are insisting the Yankees include prospects Spencer Jones or righty Chase Hampton in a trade that returns pitcher Garrett Crochet, according to MLB insiders Bob Nightengale of USA Today and SNY’s John Harper,” NJ.com reported. “Both minor leaguers are ranked in the top three in the Yankees farm system and considered big pieces of the future.”

The Yankees opened the season with a surprisingly strong starting rotation, even in the absence of an injured Gerrit Cole, and an MLB-leading bullpen. But amid the team’s recent struggles, the pitching staff has faded, and Crochet would represent a major boost.

In his first season as a starter, the 25-year-old lefty has maintained a 3.02 ERA in 20 games with 150 strikeouts. His durability could be a concern, as he’s already totaled more innings than in his previous four MLB seasons combined, but he also could play a bullpen role for a Yankees team that has cycled through numerous relievers.

Crochet is perhaps the highest-impact name that will be available before the deadline, and as such, he will command a steep price. Similarly, the White Sox reportedly were asking the Yankees to include Jones in a prospective trade for pitcher Dylan Cease before the season began, and New York would not budge .

“Jones, the Yankees’ first round pick in the 2022 draft, was a frequently discussed prospect this winter as the club resisted requests for him to be included in deals with various trade partners throughout the winter,” per MLB Trade Rumors . “The Yankees remain unwilling to part with Jones, suggesting a deal between New York and Chicago is unlikely unless one side or the other folds regarding the hulking outfield prospect.”

Hampton could be more likely to headline a package that brings Crochet to New York if he intrigues the White Sox.

Related: Yankees Could Target Former All-Star, Ex-Gold Glove Winner in Trades

Related: Dodgers Projected to Land MLB Strikeout Leader in Blockbuster Trade