Trade deadline’s rotation market has major Garrett Crochet question

Unusually yet undeniably, the rotation market is easily led by a pitcher who’s already almost doubled his previous MLB innings high. White Sox reliever-turned-starter Garrett Crochet, the ace of baseball’s worst team, is coveted by the Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Padres and most other contenders, too. And why not? He’s perhaps 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, yet another ex-reliever). But there’s one big catch: A serious question remains about how many more 2024 innings remain for Crochet. The former setup man, who’d never before logged more than 54 ¹/₃ MLB innings, is on pace for about 200.

(The Yankees very much like Crochet. But as was the case in talks regarding ex-Sox star Dylan Cease, they still seem unwilling to part with power-speed OF Spencer Jones, a potential hang-up assuming he remains a South Side target.)

As for the innings issue, teams with huge leads (like the Dodgers) could carefully monitor Crochet before turning him loose in October, some might transition him back into a featured reliever, and a few might just let him go full throttle in the belief that’s what he was meant to do. One interested exec who favors keeping him in 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 acquiring teams employ without limitation the former first-rounder who had Tommy John surgery in 2022, and thus risk his future without some sense of security (i.e. an extension.)

The White Sox did broach an extension, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported, but word is no offers were exchanged — no surprise since the White Sox aren’t known as a big (or even medium) spender, and aren’t close to a contender, either. Meantime, the White Sox and Crochet’s camp wisely are working on a reasonable innings plan — though the chances they keep him are clearly diminishing. Chances to be traded: High.

Here are 16 more starters who could go (in order of value). Chance to be traded is graded 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 probably stays in Toronto. Trade chances: Very Low.

3. Jesus Luzardo, Marlins

Back issue is curtailing trade plan. Trade chances: Low.

4. Luis Severino, Mets

The Mets could trade from a deep starter stash and still contend, but the team’s best pitcher seems less likely to go than Sean Manaea or Jose Quintana. Trade chances: Very Low.

5. Yusei Kikuchi, Blue Jays

The Jays are struggling, and Kikuchi is a free agent to be. Trade chances: Medium.

6. Tyler Anderson, Angels

He’s among leaders in WAR in second year of three-year, $40 million deal. Trade chances: Medium.

7. Jack Flaherty, Tigers

Strikeout artist needs to recover first from back issue. Trade chances: Medium.

8. Nick Pivetta, Red Sox

Boston is a surprise contender. Trade chances: Very low.

9. Zach Eflin, Rays

Tampa Bay already began sale. Trade chances: High.

10. Frankie Montas, Reds

Bigger potential than his 100 ERA plus. Trade chances: Medium.

11. Jameson Taillon, Cubs

Solid starter and clubhouse guy could go if Cubs sell. Trade chances: Medium.

12. Sean Manaea, Mets

Mid-rotation starter was nice pickup. Trade chances: Low.

13. Erick Fedde, White Sox

Resurrected career after return from Korea. Trade chances: High.

14. Cal Quantrill, Rockies

Colorado doesn’t love to trade. Trade chances: Medium.

15. Jose Quintana, Mets

Solid veteran looking better lately. Trade chances: Low.

16. Zack Littell, Rays

Little-known starter likely goes. Trade chances: High.

17. JP Sears, A’s

Back-end guy. Trade chances: Medium.