Sep 20, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (45) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images Orlando Ramirez
A report at the conclusion of the MLB General Manager's Meetings in San Antonio suggests that the Phillies will be at the forefront of the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Phillies and World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are among the top suitors for Crochet, whose trade candidacy could come to a head in the coming weeks.
"No already-employed player was sought after more at these GM meetings than Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet, who struck out 209 batters in 146 innings and earned only $800,000 last season. The White Sox have openly told teams he’s available and are expected to trade him by the end of the winter meetings, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Dodgers the most aggressive."
This isn't a particularly shocking development given that both teams were reported as suitors when Crochet was being shopped this past summer. ESPN's Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers reported that the Phillies weren't ultimately willing to include No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter in talks for Crochet.
Phillies Reportedly Declined To Include Andrew Painter in Garrett Crochet Trade Talks @OnPattison https://t.co/fpA1HWz9md
Matt Gelb of The Athletic also said that the Phillies weren't willing to include Painter in any trade discussions, but did say that every other prospect was on the table.
Both those nuggets are interesting to remember, because White Sox general manager Chris Getz said this week that Chicago, as was reportedly the case this past summer, is "focusing on position-player return."
The Phillies obviously have some intriguing position-playing prospects, such as infielder Aidan Miller, catcher Eduardo Tait, outfielder Justin Crawford and shortstop Starlyn Caba.
With that said, the position players in the Phillies' system evidently didn't move the needle enough for the White Sox over the summer to get a Crochet deal done.
White Sox GM Chris Getz Tuesday on Crochet at trade deadline, and more. pic.twitter.com/sXonC0TctW
What could be different about this offseason is the possibility of a position player that's already at the MLB level but has multiple remaining years before free agency — such as Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh or Bryson Stott — being part of a trade. Who knows how much any of that trio would interest the White Sox, given that they lost 121 games last season and are likely years away from contention. But as part of a deal, in addition to multiple top prospects, maybe that would help put the Phillies over the top if they are indeed making a major push for Crochet.
There is a legitimate discussion to be had about whether the Phillies really need another front-line starter, as much as you always like to add excellent pitching. Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez were all All-Stars a year ago. Aaron Nola is this generation's most durable pitcher, and has six years remaining on his deal. If you're going to invest major resources somewhere this winter, the outfield or bullpen would seem to be bigger needs.
At the same time, Crochet was excellent in his first full season as an MLB starter, posting a 3.58 ERA across 146 innings. Mind you, this was his first full year back from Tommy John surgery as well. The former first-round pick is 25, and has two remaining years of arbitration left before free agency. If the Phillies did acquire him, it would certainly be something for fans to be excited about.
And who knows, maybe if you acquire Crochet, you turn around and flip Suárez — who, for all that he does well, has durability concerns and is entering a contract year — for another position of need.
There's a lot if "ifs" and "buts" in this discussion, but that's what makes hot stove season so fun. And in recent years, there have been a lot of ifs and buts that the Phillies have turned into star players whether it's been via trade or free agency.
