The MLB trade deadline is approaching quickly with plenty of Los Angeles Dodgers rumors connecting them to starting pitching, bullpen help and potential additions to the lineup. However, one player is reportedly atop the list of Dodgers trade targets.
While Los Angeles is one of the best teams in baseball, it has plenty of needs. Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Dodgers injured list had Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Walker Buehler. Meanwhile, the Dodgers lineup remains without Mookie Betts and Max Muncy.
It creates obvious needs for the front office to address this summer. Fortunately, Los Angeles has both the depth in its farm system and quality among the Dodgers top prospects to address multiple needs. While multiple positions will be addressed, one player stands atop the wishlist.
According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez , Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet is known to be atop the wishlist of Dodgers trade targets in 2024. Notably, Los Angeles is even interested in him if it has to convert him into a relief role.
“Chicago White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet is considered to be at the top of the Dodgers’ list, regardless of whether he’s a starter or a reliever the rest of the way.”
Alden Gonzalez on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ interest in a Garrett Crochet trade
Crochet, age 25, is already well past his previous career-high (54.1) for innings pitched. He’s also struggled a bit more as of late, with his WHIP (1.14) and batting average allowed (.253) sharply increasing over his last five starts. While there’s plenty for Los Angeles to like about him, there’s also risk.
Why a Garrett Crochet trade isn’t simple for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Crochet can be a front-line starter for the Dodgers long term. Under team control through 2026 and having already turned 25 in June, he’s one of the best young starters in MLB . However, there are drawbacks to acquiring him this summer.
The workload Crochet has already carried this season is a bit of an issue for a pitcher who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022. Preserving his long-term ability is paramount, which means there’s a realistic chance the Dodgers would need to move him to the bullpen by September. However, the White Sox won’t lower the asking price if that’s the Dodgers’ intention.
“He could be, at the very least, a key multi-inning member of the Dodgers’ bullpen — but the White Sox will ask for a return based on his value as a starter nonetheless.”
Alden Gonzalez on the cost of a Garrett Crochet trade for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting pitchers are far more valuable than relievers, even those who can cover 2-3 innings multiple times in a playoff series. So, if the Dodgers are determined to land Crochet, it’s going to require overpaying for him this season and also making sacrifices now for a long-term benefit.
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