Will the Yankees Land Ace Garrett Crochet in a Blockbuster Trade?

By Oliver Wiener July 18, 2024 14:53

Photo by Nam Y Huh/AP Photo

The New York Yankees have been active in the trade rumor mill this season, as they look to bolster their roster and make a push for the playoffs. One of their primary targets appears to be Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet.

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Crochet, a 25-year-old left-hander, has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in the American League this season. Through 20 starts, he has posted a 3.20 ERA with 150 strikeouts in 107.1 innings of work. His 35.2% strikeout rate and 5.4% walk rate are both elite, making him a highly coveted trade target.

According to reports, the White Sox are "insisting" that the Yankees include their top outfield prospect, Spencer Jones, as part of the return for Crochet. Jones, the Yankees' first-round pick in 2022, has been impressive in the minors, hitting .270 with 10 home runs in 73 games at Double-A this season. The Yankees, however, are "not keen to part with the top prospect," according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. This could complicate negotiations between the two teams, as the White Sox are likely to set a high asking price for their ace.

The Potential Impact of Crochet on the Yankees

If the Yankees are able to acquire Crochet, it would be a significant boost to their pitching staff. The team has been searching for a true ace to pair with Gerrit Cole, and Crochet would fit that bill perfectly.

Crochet's combination of elite stuff and command would make him an ideal fit in the Yankees' rotation. His ability to miss bats and limit free passes would be a welcome addition to a team that has struggled with inconsistent pitching at times this season. Moreover, Crochet is under team control through the 2026 season, meaning the Yankees would have him for multiple years. This could be a crucial factor in their decision-making process, as they look to build a roster that can compete for championships not just this year, but in the years to come.

The Cost of Acquiring Crochet

The high asking price for Crochet is understandable, given his talent and team control. The White Sox are likely looking to maximize their return, as they continue to rebuild their roster.

Parting with a top prospect like Spencer Jones would be a significant cost for the Yankees, but it may be necessary if they want to land a pitcher of Crochet's caliber. The team has been reluctant to part with its top prospects in the past, but the opportunity to acquire an ace like Crochet may be too good to pass up.

In the End

The potential trade between the Yankees and White Sox for Garrett Crochet is a fascinating storyline to follow as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The Yankees' need for an ace and the White Sox's willingness to move Crochet could make for a blockbuster deal that would have major implications for both teams.

Whether the Yankees are willing to part with a top prospect like Spencer Jones remains to be seen, but the potential addition of Crochet to their rotation could be a game-changer for the team's postseason aspirations. As the clock ticks down to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on these two teams as they navigate the high-stakes world of MLB trade negotiations.