Garrett Crochet Trade Rumors: Cubs offseason interest does not add up

The biggest name in the trade market ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet.

In his first full season as a starting pitcher at the Major League level, Crochet has ascended toward being one of the best-starting pitchers in baseball. What makes Crochet a compelling target for buyers is that he is under team control until 2027.

What becomes interesting with Crochet's market is the fact that the Whtie Sox have openly stated that he may be on a innings limit during the second half of the season. Meaning, interested teams may have to make the determination on whether or not Crochet should remain in the rotation for the rest of the season or move to the bullpen.

The latest trade rumor is the idea of the Los Angeles Dodger eyeing a mega-deal with the White Sox that includes Crochet and center fielder Luis Robert Jr. but Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Subscription Required) tells a different story. Rosenthal paints the picture of the White Sox holding onto Crochet past the deadline with an eye on moving him this offseason when more teams may be involved.

Rosenthal speculates that the Chicago Cubs, assuming there's no trade at the deadline, could be interested in Crochet this offseason.

An offseason pursuit of Garrett Crochet does not align with the Cubs' needs.

While Crochet was one thought to be involved in the 2021 deal between the Cubs and White Sox that sent Craig Kimbrell to the South Side, in 2024, it doesn't make sense from an organization standpoint for the Cubs to jeopardize their farm system depth for a starting pitcher.

The Cubs' roster construction has been strong in terms of their starting pitching depth, and this outlook remains strong for the long term, considering Justin Steele, Cade Horton, Jordan Wicks, and Ben Brown could all be fixtures for multiple seasons ahead.

The Cubs' biggest need this offseason will be the addition of an impact bat. If the Cubs are going to jeopardize their farm system depth for anything, it would be to acquire an impact bat that is under team control for multiple seasons. The idea of the Cubs trading top prospects for a starting pitcher just doesn't add up with the roster's shortcomings this season.