Unusually but undeniably, the rotation market is comfortably led by a pitcher who has nearly doubled his previous MLB innings high. White Sox reliever-turned-starter Garrett Crochet, the ace on the worst team in baseball, is coveted by the Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres and most other contenders. And why not? He may be the only true No. 1 starter available.
Crochet leads the AL with 141 strikeouts and a 2.37 FIP, while sporting a 3.9 WAR (third in MLB, a category led by Seth Lugo, another former reliever). But there’s one big catch: There’s a serious question about how many innings Crochet has left in 2024. The former setup man, who’s never previously logged more than 54 ¹/₃ MLB innings, is on track for around 200.
(The Yankees are very fond of Crochet. But as in the discussions about ex-Sox star Dylan Cease, they still appear unwilling to part with speedy OF Spencer Jones, a potential problem assuming he remains a target for the South Side.)
As for the innings issue, teams with big leads (like the Dodgers) might keep a close eye on Crochet before letting him go in October, some might transition him back to being a featured reliever, and a few might just let him go flat out in the belief that that’s what he’s meant to do. One interested executive who advocates keeping him in the regular rotation claims, “The innings limit is a scam.”
That exec isn’t alone. But of course, Crochet’s camp isn’t about to let the former first-rounder, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, become an unrestricted free agent for any acquiring team, risking his future without any sense of certainty (i.e., an extension).
The White Sox did seek an extension, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported, but no offers have been exchanged — no surprise, given that the White Sox aren’t known as big (or even average) spenders, and aren’t even close to being a contender. In the meantime, the White Sox and Crochet’s camp are wisely working out a reasonable innings plan — though the odds of them keeping him are clearly diminishing. Odds of being traded: High.
Here are 16 more starters that could go (in order of value). The chance of being traded is rated as high, medium, low or very low.
2. Chris Bassitt, Blue Jays
The Yankees killer (0.82 ERA lifetime against) could interest the Orioles, but like Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, he’s likely to stay in Toronto. Trade odds: Very low.
3. Jesus Luzardo, Marlins
The underlying issue is the limitation of the trading plan. Trading opportunities: Low.
4. Luis Severino, Mets
The Mets could trade from a deep starting lineup and still be in contention, but the team’s best pitcher seems less likely to leave than Sean Manaea or Jose Quintana. Trade odds: Very low.
5. Yusei Kikuchi, Blue Jays
The Jays are struggling and Kikuchi is a free agent to be. Trade odds: Medium.
6. Tyler Anderson, Angels
He is among the leaders in WAR in the second year of a three-year, $40 million contract. Trade odds: Medium.
7. Jack Flaherty, Tigers
Strikeout artist must first recover from back issue. Trading Odds: Medium.
8. Nick Pivetta, Red Sox
Boston is a surprise contender. Trade Odds: Very Low.
9. Zach Eflin, Rays
Tampa Bay has already started selling. Trade chances: High.
10. Frankie Montas, Reds
Greater potential than his 100 ERA plus. Trade opportunities: Medium.
11. Jameson Taillon, Cubs
Solid starter and clubhouse guy could leave if Cubs sell. Trade odds: Medium.
12. Sean Manaea, Mets
Mid-rotation starter was a nice pick-up. Trade Odds: Low.
13. Erick Fedde, White Sox
Revived career after returning from Korea. Trading opportunities: High.
14. Cal Quantrill, Rockies
Colorado doesn’t like trading. Trading chances: Medium.
15. José Quintana, Mets
Solid veteran looking better lately. Trade Odds: Low.
16. Zack Littell, Rays
Little known starter likely to go. Trade chances: High.
17. JP Sears, A’s
Back-end guy. Trading opportunities: Medium.