The Chicago White Sox are poised to be one of the biggest sellers at the MLB trade deadline, with a rost headlined by Luis Robert, Garrett Crochet and Michael Kopech with everyone believed to be available. However, MLB teams with interest in a trade with the White Sox might not get what they want.
Chicago is entering a much-needed rebuild that started this offseason. The White Sox traded starting pitcher Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres, acquiring a package of prospects including Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte. However, Chicago then held off on making any other blockbuster moves.
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All of that will change at the MLB trade deadline. Chicago is already expected to move outfielder Tommy Pham and shortstop Paul DeJong. The White Sox roster could also be stripped down even further with first baseman Andrew Vaughn and starting pitcher Erick Fedde viewed as the most likely White Sox trade candidates to be moved in July. As for Robert and Crochet, it’s not as simple.
Jon Heyman told Bleacher Report that he believes its “iffy” regarding the likelihood of Crochet being traded. Surprisingly, based on conversations with those around the league, Robert seems more likely to be traded than Crochet.
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“Crochet, kinda iffy to be traded from what I’m gathering. I think Robert may have more chance that Crochet to be traded.”
Jon Heyman on the Chicago White Sox potentially trading Luis Robert, Garrett Crochet
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One key issue for MLB teams interested in Crochet would be his workload in the second half of the season. The 25-year-old southpaw has already thrown 88.2 innings this season, far more than his previous career-high (54.1 innings) in 2021. With a heavier workload, any club that acquired Crochet might want to move him to the bullpen in September to limit his innings.
If interested teams are making offers for Crochet that value him as a relief pitcher at some point in the 2024 season, Chicago won’t be getting the return it’s looking for in a trade. As a result, the White Sox might ultimately decide to hold off until the winter and then trade Crochet.
