Unusually but undeniably, the rotation market is easily led by a pitcher who has already nearly doubled his previous MLB innings. Garrett Crochet, the White Sox reliever-turned-baseballer and the champion of the worst team in baseball, is also wanted by the Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres and most other contenders. And why not? He may be the only truly available starter.
Crochet leads the American League with 141 strikeouts, a 2.37 FIP and 3.9 WAR (third in MLB in a category led by Seth Lugo, another former relief pitcher). But there’s one big problem: There’s still a serious question about how many innings Crochet has left in 2024. The former setup man, who has never logged more than 54 ¹/₃ innings in MLB, is on track for about 200.
(The Yankees love Crochet. But as with talks over former Sox star Dylan Cease, they still aren’t willing to part with speedy, powerful center fielder Spencer Jones, a potential stumbling block assuming he remains a target for the South Side.)
As for the innings issue, teams with a big advantage (like the Dodgers) might watch Crochet carefully before releasing him in October. Some might relegate him to a relief pitcher, others might let him pitch at full strength, believing that’s what he was supposed to do. “The innings are a scam,” claims one concerned executive who favors keeping him in the starting lineup.
But that executive isn’t the only one. Of course, Crochet’s camp won’t let teams looking to acquire a former first-round pick who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, thus risking his future without any sense of security (i.e. a contract extension).
The White Sox have offered him a contract extension, as Bob Nightingale of USA Today reports, but no offers have been exchanged — unsurprising since the White Sox aren’t known for being big (or even average) spenders and aren’t even close to competing. Meanwhile, the White Sox and Crochet are wisely working out a reasonable innings plan — though the chances of keeping him are clearly slim. Trade chances: High.
Here are 16 other key players who could be gone (by value). Their chances of being replaced are rated as high, medium, low or very low.
2. Chris Bassett, Blue Jays
The Yankees’ hitter (who had a career . 82 batting average) could be interesting for the Orioles, but like Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, he’ll likely stay in Toronto. Trade chances: Very low.
3. Jesus Luzardo, Marlins
The background issue is the reduction of the trading plan. Trading opportunities: Low.
4. Luis Severino, Mets
The Mets may be able to replace their key players from a long list, but the team’s best players seem less likely to leave than Sean Manea or Jose Quintana. Chances of replacement: Very low.
5. Yusei Kikuchi, Blue Jays
Jays struggle, Kikuchi is a free agent. Trade chances: Medium.
6. Tyler Anderson, Angels
He’s among the leaders in WAR in the second year of a three-year, $40 million deal. Tradeability: Average.
7. Jack Flaherty, Tigers
The attacking midfielder needs to recover from a back injury first. Trade chances: Medium.
8. Nick Pivetta, Red Sox
Boston is a surprising contender. Trade chances: Very low.
9. Zach Eflin, Rise
Tampa Bay’s sell-off has already begun. Trading opportunities: High.
10. Frankie Montas, Reds
Potential greater than his earned performance rate of over 100. Exchange opportunities: Medium.
11. Jameson Taillon, Cubs
A key player and solid player for the club could be gone if the Chicago Cubs trade him. Trade chances: Medium.
12. Sean Mania, Mets
Starting from midfield was a good choice. Exchange chances: Low.
13. Eric Fedde, White Sox
Returned to his profession after returning from Korea. Exchange opportunities: High.
14. Cal Quantrill, Rockies
Colorado doesn’t like trading. Trading opportunities: Average.
15. Jose Quintana, Mets
Solid veteran who looks better lately. Trade chance: Low.
16. Zach Little, Rise
Unknown player likely to leave. Trade chances: High.
17. J.B. Sears, A.
Back man. Trading opportunities: Medium.
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