White Sox Trade Deadline Notes: Erick Fedde Becomes Hot Commodity Amid Garrett Crochet Contract Standoff

While the MLB trade deadline heats up, the rumors persist. A report surfaced Thursday indicating Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet demands a contract extension to pitch in the playoffs. As a result, Crochet, presumably the most talented pitcher on the market, becomes more challenging to acquire.

However, the White Sox still have the best starting pitcher on the market, assuming Tarik Skubal stays with the Detroit Tigers. Erick Fedde has had a remarkable season with the White Sox after signing as a free agent following an MVP year in the Korean Baseball Organization. Given his production, his two-year, $15 million deal is inexpensive.

Pleasant Surprise

The Washington Nationals' former first-round pick never asserted himself as anything more than a back-end starter in parts of six seasons to begin his MLB career. After revamping his pitch mix overseas, Fedde returned from Korea as a completely different pitcher. He's been a revelation for Chicago and is easily Chris Getz's best offseason acquisition.

The 31-year-old has compiled a 2.98 ERA and 1.113 WHIP in 117.2 innings over 20 starts this season. He's accumulated a 4.7 bWAR through roughly two-thirds of the season, trailing only Skubal for the American League lead.

Scarcity and Demand

In which case, Fedde has been the topic of trade rumors for most of the season. The interest in his services may have escalated with the news of Crochet's contract extension requirement. Crochet's situation could be better, but the associated risk and his extension demand make him more likely to be traded in the offseason. 

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the St. Louis Cardinals' interest in the veteran righty over the weekend. Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports also reports that Fedde is drawing interest from the Houston Astros and up to 10 teams. 

Furthermore, the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays struck a deal Friday that will send Zach Eflin to the O's in exchange for three prospects, taking another trade target off the table.