The Atlanta Braves are reportedly among a handful of teams still interested in left-hander Garrett Crochet.
The odds of the White Sox trading Crochet took a hit when the 25-year-old reportedly announced that he would not pitch in the postseason unless he received an extension. The hard-throwing left-hander believes that a starter routine is for his health and with two years remaining on his contract, he does not want to risk an injury by giving a max effort out of the bullpen while his value as a starter is at an all-time high.
However, several teams are still interested in Crochet including the Dodgers and the Braves. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Braves are “considering” making a move for Crochet, citing some of their injury concerns and Crochet’s affordable $800,000 salary.
The Braves are 8.5 games behind the Phillies in the National League East but only 1.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot. The Braves feel like they can still contend but their starting rotation has been decimated with injuries. Spencer Stider won’t pitch until 2025 after undergoing season-ending surgery, Max Fried landed on the 15-day IL on July 21 with a left forearm injury. and Reynaldo Lopez’s future is uncertain due to what the Braves are calling “forearm tightness”.
Adding Crochet to the fold would certainly add a solid 1-2 punch with Chris Sale atop the rotation. The White Sox lone All-Star representative leads the AL in strikeouts with 160, despite being placed on an innings restriction. In 22 starts he owns a 6-8 record and a 3.23 ERA in 114 1/3 innings.
The Dodgers are still viewed as the favorites to make a trade. Like the Braves they also need starting pitching. The Dodgers also have the financial resources to get an extension with Crochet done. The question remains if either team is willing to give up the prospects that meet Chris Getz's high asking price.
