Unusually, but undeniably, the rotation market is easily led by a pitcher who has already nearly doubled his previous MLB levels. Garret Crochet, the ace of baseball’s worst team, the White Sox reliever-turned-starter, is also coveted by the Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres and most other contenders. And why not? He is probably the only true no. 1 starter available.
Crochet leads the AL with 141 strikeouts and a 2.37 FIP and has a 3.9 WAR (third in MLB in a category led by Seth Lugo, another former reliever). But there’s a big catch: There remains a serious question about how many more 2024 rows are left for Crochet. The former setup man, who had never before logged more than 54 ¹/₃ MLB innings, is on pace for nearly 200.
(The Yankees like Crochet a lot. But as was the case in talks about former Sox star Dylan Cease, they still don’t seem to want to part with power-speeder Spencer Jones, a possible shutdown assuming he stays a South Side target ).
As for the pitching issue, teams with big leads (like the Dodgers) may keep a close eye on Crochet before releasing him in October, some may turn him into a featured reliever, and some may let him move entirely in the belief that it is what he intended to do. A concerned executive who favors keeping it in regular rotation claims, “The queue limit is a scam.”
That executive is not alone. But of course, Crochet’s camp won’t allow teams to sign the former No. 1 opener, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, and risk his future without a sense of security (p. e.g. an extension).
The White Sox made an extension, as USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported , but word is that no offers were exchanged — no surprise since the White Sox aren’t known as big (or even average) spenders and aren’t close to a contender, either. Meanwhile, the White Sox camp and Crochet are wisely working on a reasonable innings plan — though the odds of them keeping it are clearly diminishing. Chances of being traded: High.
Here are 16 more rookies to go (by value). Marketability is rated as high, medium, low or very low.
2. Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays
The Yankees hitter (0.82 lifetime ERA against) might interest the Orioles, but as Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, he probably stays in Toronto. Trade opportunities: Very low.
3. Jesus Luzardo, Marlins
The back issue is the short trade plan. Trading opportunities: low.
4. Luis Severino, Mets
The Mets could trade from a deep starting staff and continue to contend, but the team’s best pitcher seems less likely than Sean Manaea or Jose Quintana. Trade opportunities: Very low.
5. Yusei Kikuchi, Blue Jays
The Jays are struggling and Kikuchi is a free agent. Trading opportunities: Average.
6. Tyler Anderson, Angels
He is among the leaders in WAR in the second year of a three-year, $40 million deal. Trading opportunities: Average.
7. Jack Flaherty, Tigers
The Strikeout artist must first recover from his back problem. Trading opportunities: Average.
8. Nick Pivetta, Red Sox
Boston is a surprise contender. Trading opportunities: Very low.
9. Zach Eflin, Rays
Tampa Bay has already started selling. Trading opportunities: high.
10. Frankie Montas, Eds
Potential greater than his 100 plus ERA. Trading opportunities: Average.
11. Jameson Taillon, Cubs
A solid starter and club guy could go if the Cubs sell. Trading opportunities: Average.
12. Sean Manaea, Mets
The mid-revving engine was a nice take. Trading opportunities: low.
13. Erick Fedde, White Sox
Career revived after returning from Korea. Trading opportunities: high.
14. Cal Quantrill, Rockies
Colorado does not like to trade. Trading opportunities: Average.
15. Jose Quintana, Mets
The stalwart veteran has looked better lately. Trading opportunities: low.
16. Zack Littell, Rays
Little known beginner is likely to go. Trading opportunities: high.
17. JP Sears, A’s
Boy after all. Trading opportunities: Average.
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