Building A Blockbuster Trade Between The White Sox And Dodgers

Given how opposite the White Sox and Dodgers are from a success standpoint, the two teams overlap more than you would think. They share a Spring Training facility in Arizona and have a history of making trades with each other, the most recent being the Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly for Nick Nastrini, Jordan Leasure, and Trayce Thompson deal at last year's trade deadline. The teams could line up for another trade this year, as the Dodgers have reportedly made an offer for White Sox All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet.

Dodgers Strong Season But Weaker Farm System

Los Angeles enters the day with a 55-36 record and are one of the favorites to win the 2024 World Series. However, injuries and underperformance have decimated their starting rotation this season. 12 different pitchers have already started a game for the Dodgers this season, and their ace Tyler Glasnow just landed on the injured list as well. They have had to dig deep within their farm system for starting pitching reinforcements, so their connection to Crochet makes sense. 

The Dodgers' farm system is weaker now than in a long time. Many of their former top prospects in recent years are either on their MLB roster or have been traded away in other deals. According to MLB.com, Los Angeles currently has just two top 100 prospects. However, the Dodgers still have some prospects that could interest the White Sox in a potential deadline deal.

Dalton Rushing

Dalton Rushing is currently the top prospect in the Dodgers system and is the #48 prospect in MLB per their list. The 23-year-old left-handed hitting catcher is having a solid season in AA with 12 doubles, ten home runs, and an .836 OPS in 63 games. His walk rate is over 11% on the season, and his 55-grade arm strength should allow him to stay behind the plate long-term. The White Sox have prioritized adding catching in the last year, trading for both Edgar Quero and Korey Lee. Despite the White Sox improved catching depth, Rushing would probably be a name in trade conversations between the two teams.

Josue De Paula

Josue De Paula is a 19-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder who comes in as the #63 prospect on MLB.com's list. Led by his 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power, De Paula offers a nice blend of speed and power. Despite being over three years younger than the average players at the Low-A and High-A levels, he already has 12 doubles, six home runs, and 16 stolen bases in 63 games this season. As a 19-year-old, De Paula is far from a finished product and likely will not see the big leagues for a long time. But if the White Sox are looking for an upside play in a deal with the Dodgers, De Paula is the guy.

River Ryan

River Ryan is a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher and one of the best pitching prospects in the Dodgers organization. Despite missing a good chunk of the season with shoulder issues, Ryan has returned and put up a 2.38 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 10.3 K/9 in four AAA starts this season. Ryan fits the mold of a near MLB-ready starting pitcher if that is what the White Sox are looking for.

Jackson Ferris

Jackson Ferris is the Dodgers #6 prospect and has one of the highest ceilings of any of their prospects. The 6'4, 20-year-old left-handed pitcher has a K/9 of almost 12 in 16 High-A starts and has drawn comparisons to Blake Snell thanks to his 60-grade fastball and curveball combination. Like De Paula, Ferris is far from the majors but represents a high-ceiling prospect that could interest a White Sox team needing to add young players with star potential.

Other Interesting Dodgers Prospects

Rushing, De Paula, Ryan, and Ferris jump out immediately as four Dodger prospects who would likely be of interest to the White Sox in a blockbuster trade, but their prospect group does not end there. Pitchers Nick Frasso, Kyle Hurt, Payton Martin, Maddux Bruns, Justin Wrobleski, and position players Thayron Liranzo, Kendall George, and Joendry Vargas also stand out. 

Dodgers Have Incentive To Pull Off A Blockbuster

While the Dodgers do not have the same level of prospect capital as teams like the Orioles, Mariners, and Phillies, they do have some intriguing young talent. Given their expectations to win each season, they have the motivation and incentive to make a big splash on the trade market. Crochet would represent a splash, as would Luis Robert Jr. One of Rushing or De Paula would undoubtedly be the centerpiece in such a trade scenario, followed by a couple of their lower-ranked prospects. The Dodgers likely are not the favorites to land either Crochet or Robert Jr., but they are a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches.