Three potential landing spots for Garrett Crochet

Garrett Crochet is the type of pitcher the Chicago White Sox would theoretically build around.

The 25-year-old lefty has thrived in his first season as a starter in the majors, posting a 3.02 ERA and a 0.928 WHiP in his 101.1 innings, striking out a major league best 141 batters with just 20 walks. 

Meanwhile, Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that the White Sox had reached out to Crochet's representatives about an extension. Once those talks were unable to gain traction, the White Sox decided to put Crochet on the trade block.

There are some concerns. Crochet's 101.1 innings are more than he had thrown in his major league career in total before this season. He has not thrown more than 65 innings in a season in either college or professional ball. He may need to be used sporadically down the stretch. However, Crochet is much more than a one year rental; he is a pitcher who a team can build a rotation around.

With two more years of team control and a salary of just $800K this season, Crochet is the type of arm teams covet. Let's take a look at three possible landing spots ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly attempted to acquire Crochet but were turned down. That rejection does not mean that the Dodgers are out of the running.

Crochet is not an ideal fit in Los Angeles for this season. He is likely facing an innings cap, and the Dodgers need guaranteed innings down the stretch. However, the Dodgers are always looking to the future as they aim to continue building a sustainable contender. Crochet would fit that mold due to his years of team control. 

Money is not a concern with the Dodgers, either, making a possible extension easier. Crochet may not make that much of an impact this season, but he could be a long-term solution.

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are in a similar situation as the Dodgers. Their rotation has been decimated by injuries, making another starting pitcher vitally important.

Such a deal could happen. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Orioles and White Sox have discussed a trade for Crochet. The Orioles have a plethora of prospects on the cusp of the majors although they do not have room for all of them. While the Orioles also need guaranteed innings as well this season, he would be a longer-term fit atop the rotation.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees would not initially appear to be a fit for Crochet. The rotation has been a strength, and Gerrit Cole's return only makes that group more formidable. However, there are issues brewing in both the rotation and bullpen.

Luis Gil was in contention for AL Rookie of the Year heading into June but has hit a wall. He has an 8.85 ERA and a 1.820 WHiP in 20.1 innings over his last five starts, striking out 17 batters with 14 walks. Closer Clay Holmes has struggled as well, posting a 10.80 ERA and a 1.650 WHiP in his last seven outings with two blown saves and a pair of losses. 

Crochet's expected return to the bullpen would help the Yankees' relief corps while giving them a relatively low-cost starter going forward. As they are all-in on the 2024 season, Crochet would be an ideal fit.