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Cubs, Red Sox Among ''Best Fits'' In Trade For Breakout 27-Year-Old Pitcher

Breakout Pitcher Garrett Crochet Emerges as Prime Trade Target for Contending MLB Teams

In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, where roster construction often hinges on midseason trades, one name has risen to prominence this year: Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. At 27 years old, Crochet has transformed from a promising reliever into a dominant starting pitcher, capturing the attention of teams across the league. His breakout performance has positioned him as one of the most intriguing trade chips ahead of the MLB trade deadline. With the White Sox mired in a rebuilding phase and unlikely to contend, Crochet's availability has sparked widespread speculation. Among the teams frequently mentioned as ideal landing spots are the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox, but several other contenders could also benefit from his services. This article delves into why Crochet is such a hot commodity, his background, and the best potential fits for a trade that could reshape playoff races.

Garrett Crochet's journey to stardom has been anything but straightforward. Drafted by the White Sox in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of the University of Tennessee, Crochet made an immediate impact as a reliever. His rookie season in 2020 saw him contribute to the team's playoff push with his high-velocity fastball and sharp slider. However, injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2022, sidelined him for significant periods. Upon his return, the White Sox transitioned him to the starting rotation this year, a move that has paid dividends. Crochet has showcased ace-level stuff, consistently hitting triple digits with his fastball while developing a devastating cutter and changeup. His ability to miss bats and limit hard contact has made him a nightmare for opposing hitters. Beyond his on-field prowess, Crochet's contract situation adds to his appeal—he remains under team control through 2026, providing cost certainty for any acquiring team. For a White Sox organization focused on acquiring young talent and prospects, trading Crochet could accelerate their rebuild by netting a haul of high-upside players.

The trade market for starting pitchers is always competitive, especially as teams gear up for the postseason. Contenders often seek arms that can bolster their rotations without breaking the bank in free agency. Crochet fits this mold perfectly, offering both immediate impact and long-term value. His age—still in his prime—means he's not a short-term rental but a potential cornerstone. However, there are considerations: his innings limit this season, given his recent injury history and transition to starting, could require careful management. Teams acquiring him would need to balance his workload to ensure he remains effective through October. Despite these caveats, the demand for Crochet is high, with multiple reports indicating that the White Sox are open to discussions. Let's explore some of the best fits, starting with crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs, currently hovering around .500 and fighting for a wild-card spot in the National League, represent an intriguing destination for Crochet. Chicago's rotation has been solid but lacks a true difference-maker beyond veterans like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. Adding Crochet would provide a high-ceiling arm who could slot in as a No. 2 or even No. 1 starter. The Cubs' farm system is robust, featuring prospects like outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and infielder Matt Shaw, which could form the basis of a trade package appealing to the White Sox. Geographically, the move makes sense—Crochet wouldn't have to relocate far, maintaining continuity in his personal life. Moreover, the Cubs' front office, led by Jed Hoyer, has shown a willingness to make bold moves at the deadline, as evidenced by past acquisitions like Jose Quintana. Integrating Crochet into a rotation that includes Imanaga's unique pitching style could create a formidable duo, potentially propelling the Cubs into playoff contention. However, the Cubs must weigh the cost; parting with top prospects could deplete their depth, especially if they're not fully committed to a "win-now" mode. Still, for a team with playoff aspirations, Crochet's addition could be the spark needed to challenge division leaders like the Milwaukee Brewers.

Shifting to the American League, the Boston Red Sox emerge as another strong candidate. The Red Sox have surprised many this season with their resilience, sitting in wild-card position despite injuries to key players. Their rotation, anchored by Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford, has performed admirably, but depth remains a concern, particularly with questions surrounding the health of veterans like Nick Pivetta. Crochet's left-handed power pitching would complement Boston's righty-heavy staff, providing balance and a strikeout artist capable of shutting down lineups in high-leverage situations. The Red Sox boast a deep farm system, including talents like shortstop Marcelo Mayer and outfielder Roman Anthony, which could entice the White Sox. Under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, Boston has emphasized pitching development, and Crochet's raw stuff aligns perfectly with their analytics-driven approach. Imagine Crochet taking the mound at Fenway Park, his fastball echoing off the Green Monster—it's a scenario that could energize the fanbase and solidify the Red Sox as legitimate contenders in the AL East. Potential drawbacks include Crochet's innings management, as Boston would need to monitor his workload amid a tight race with the Yankees and Orioles. Nevertheless, this trade could signal Boston's intent to compete now while building for the future.

Beyond the Cubs and Red Sox, several other teams stand out as excellent fits for Crochet. The Los Angeles Dodgers, perennial contenders, always seem to be in the market for pitching upgrades. With injuries plaguing their rotation—think Walker Buehler's recovery and Clayton Kershaw's uncertain status—Crochet could provide much-needed stability. The Dodgers' prospect pool, featuring names like Dalton Rushing and Diego Cartaya, would make for a compelling offer. Los Angeles has a track record of maximizing pitchers' potential through their development staff, which could help Crochet refine his command and expand his repertoire. A move to the Dodgers would place him in a star-studded environment, potentially accelerating his growth into an All-Star caliber player.

In the National League, the San Diego Padres could also be a prime suitor. The Padres' rotation has been inconsistent, with Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish dealing with injuries. Crochet's addition would bolster their staff alongside Dylan Cease, creating a dynamic one-two punch. San Diego's aggressive general manager, A.J. Preller, is known for blockbuster deals, and their farm system includes intriguing pieces like catcher Ethan Salas. The sunny climate and competitive atmosphere in San Diego could appeal to Crochet, offering a fresh start away from Chicago's rebuild.

Don't overlook the Baltimore Orioles, who lead the AL East and boast one of MLB's best young cores. Their rotation, while talented with Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez, could use another high-upside arm for depth. Baltimore's prospect riches, such as infielder Jackson Holliday and outfielder Heston Kjerstad, position them to outbid competitors. Acquiring Crochet would enhance their World Series odds without sacrificing too much immediate talent.

The Philadelphia Phillies, atop the NL East, might view Crochet as a luxury addition to an already strong rotation featuring Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. With prospects like Andrew Painter on the mend, Philly could package assets to secure him, ensuring rotation dominance in the playoffs.

Other dark horses include the New York Mets, who are surging into contention and need pitching help beyond Kodai Senga, and the Atlanta Braves, whose rotation has been hit hard by injuries to Spencer Strider and others. Each of these teams brings unique advantages, from competitive environments to development resources.

In weighing these options, the White Sox will prioritize maximizing return, likely seeking a mix of major-league-ready talent and high-ceiling prospects. For Crochet, a trade represents an opportunity to join a winner and showcase his skills on a bigger stage. As the deadline approaches, the buzz around him will only intensify. Whichever team lands him could gain a significant edge in the pennant race, turning a breakout star into a postseason hero. The MLB trade landscape is fluid, but one thing is clear: Garrett Crochet's emergence has made him the pitcher everyone wants, and the Cubs, Red Sox, and others are poised to make their moves.

This potential trade underscores broader trends in baseball, where young, controllable talent like Crochet drives the market. Teams are increasingly valuing pitchers who can contribute immediately while fitting long-term plans. As negotiations heat up, fans and analysts alike will watch closely, knowing that a deal for Crochet could be the domino that sets off a flurry of activity. Whether he ends up in Chicago's North Side, Boston's historic ballpark, or elsewhere, his impact will be felt league-wide. (Word count: 1,248)

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[ https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/cubs-red-sox-among-best-fits-trade-breakout-27-year-old-pitcher-2102703 ]