AL Central

Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet threw a huge wrench into the trade deadline by requesting a contract extension from any team interested in dealing for him.

Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Crochet's plan "stunned" general managers around the league who were engaged in talks with the White Sox about the 25-year-old.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported on Thursday that Crochet was going to require a team to give him a long-term contract to pitch in the postseason this year. He also made it known he had "no desire" to be used out of the bullpen due to health concerns.

Crochet's case as a potential difference-maker in a pennant race this season was extremely complicated.

The White Sox haven't publicly said what the innings target for Crochet is, but it's safe to assume they were going to ease on the throttle at some point if he stays with them.

A first-round pick in the 2020 MLB draft, Crochet pitched exclusively in relief for a total of 73.0 innings in his previous three seasons. He also missed all of 2022 recovering from Tommy John surgery.

If you include his three years at Tennessee, Crochet's highest innings total in a single season prior to 2024 was his sophomore season in 2019 (65.0).

After making the rotation out of spring training, Crochet has already thrown 111.1 innings in 21 starts this season.

Passan noted Crochet's request for a contract if a trade happens would mitigate any potential risk he takes on by interrupting the routine he's established as a starter if he shifted to a relief role for the stretch run and/or playoffs.

Josh Hader operated with a strict set of rules about his usage for years before signing a five-year, $95 million deal with the Houston Astros in free agency last offseason.

Whether or not those rules allowed Hader to remain healthy and highly productive, despite relief pitching being notoriously volatile, it worked to the point that he signed the richest present-day value contract ever given to a reliever.

According to Passan, Hader and Crochet are both represented by the same agency.

The extension request also complicates any potential negotiations teams might have with the White Sox. One of the biggest reasons Crochet is such a valuable trade chip right now is because he's only making $800,000 this season and is under team control through 2026.

If you immediately take away the low financial cost of adding Crochet, teams would presumably feel less inclined to give up their very best prospects.

While it's unclear what type of extension Crochet would accept, Passan cited Tyler Glasnow's five-year, $136.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the potential framework.

Whether it's as a starter or multi-inning reliever, Crochet could be a difference-making pitcher in the playoffs. He has a 3.07 ERA and an AL-high 157 strikeouts in 111.1 innings this season.

Crochet just may not get the chance to pitch in October after a virtually unprecedented contract demand that would be required to facilitate a trade.

Chicago White Sox star ace Garrett Crochet is seeking a contract extension in order to pitch in the postseason should he be traded before the deadline, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Crochet, 25, also said he has "no desire" to move to the bullpen over starting, according to Rogers, and cited health concerns for his requests.

Crochet is under team control for two more seasons but wants some security before potentially pitching for a postseason contender in October.

Crochet's contract request comes amid a standout season, but one that has seen him pitch 111.1 innings, by far the most he has pitched since making his MLB debut in 2020. Even at the collegiate level, the former Tennessee star never pitched more than 65 innings.

Crochet began his MLB journey as a reliever, coming out of the bullpen in 2020 and 2021. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, he rejoined Chicago's bullpen late last season. Over the offseason, Crochet expressed interest in becoming a starter, and that move has paid off.

In 21 starts this year, Crochet has the second-most strikeouts in the majors with 157, also notching a 3.07 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Those figures have led to plenty of interest ahead of the deadline, but his contract and rotation requests could be a deal breaker for contenders looking to bolster the bullpen.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that the rebuilding Sox are "listening on everyone" ahead of the deadline, but given Crochet's level of play it will likely take an impressive offer for the team to send him elsewhere.

It was also reported Wednesday by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that "some in the industry expect" Chicago to hold Crochet at the deadline and instead move him this offseason.

Should he stay or should he go now?

Rumors have swirled for weeks that Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet could be traded ahead of the deadline, as contenders around baseball seek an upgrade to their rotations.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Wednesday, however, that "some in the industry expect the White Sox to hold left-hander, believing that an even greater number of buyers will emerge in the offseason and that his value is greater in his additional two years of club control than in 2024."

The latest rumor had the Philadelphia Phillies eying Crochet, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network, though the Phils arguably have bigger needs in the outfield and in the bullpen.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are also believed to have interest in Crochet:

Garrett Crochet is "at the top" of the Dodgers' list as the deadline approaches, per @Alden_Gonzalez pic.twitter.com/HB37M1G7lM

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 20, 2024

And Jon Heyman of the New York Post also believes it's "pretty likely" that Crochet will be dealt:

Will Garrett Crochet be traded? 🤔

Tap in LIVE with @JonHeyman on the B/R App right now 👉 https://t.co/PW8DVpT8o0 pic.twitter.com/t47a6sYFnP

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 24, 2024

Crochet, 25, is 6-7 this season with a 3.07 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 157 strikeouts in 111.1 innings. He and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. have been consistently mentioned in trade buzz, given the White Sox are mired in a miserable 27-76 seasons and would be wise to be sellers as they retool their farm system.

Garrett Crochet has put together a strong season on the mound in Chicago 🔒@AlexAvilaMLB highlights the historic start for the potential trade candidate. #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/2xMDeVoBnu

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 23, 2024

Contenders always want quality arms, especially at the top of the rotation, so it wouldn't be surprising if multiple teams targeted Crochet, depending on what other starting pitchers are on the market or left off. The White Sox could be hoping to drive the prices up by threatening to keep him until the offseason, hoping such a bidding war commences.

In many ways, the White Sox are the eye of the trade deadline storm, with both Crochet and Robert as potential targets for teams looking to make an October push. They're one of the main teams to watch as the deadline looms.

The Chicago White Sox could have a firesale ahead of MLB's July 30 trade deadline this year.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that the American League Central team is "listening on everyone" and the "odds-on favorite to make the most deals in the next week." He also highlighted outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and pitcher Garrett Crochet as the "best pitcher and hitter actively on the market."

It comes as no surprise Chicago will be looking to sell.

The team is an ugly 27-75 and looks nothing like a group that is about to turn the corner and become a quick contender. Acquiring any younger players who could accelerate the timeline on a rebuild would be ideal for the front office, and that means making some moves ahead of the deadline.

The front office is also in an advantageous position of being one of the only clear-cut sellers.

With the recent expansion of the playoffs, there are only five teams in all of MLB that are more than 10 games out of a playoff spot. The Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins are the only two teams in the entire National League that are more than 4.5 games out of the final wild-card position.

Some borderline contenders may be more hesitant to move impact players at the deadline given the opportunity to seize a wild-card spot. A crowded postseason race also increases the potential number of buyers looking to make a charge down the stretch.

"Rarely does a deadline line up so well for one team," Passan wrote of the White Sox. "... The prospect of an organization getting desperate and meeting the required return is never more palpable than in a wide-open playoff panorama."

In addition to Robert and Crochet, Passan suggested pitchers Erick Fedde, Michael Kopech, John Brebbia and Tanner Banks, as well as position players Tommy Pham, Andrew Vaughn and Paul DeJong, are also candidates to be moved.

Robert is the headliner when it comes to offense, as he was just an All-Star last season with 38 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases. He won a Silver Slugger to go with the Gold Glove he won as a rookie in 2020.

While he hasn't been as effective this season with a .232/.306/.475 slash line, 11 home runs, 23 RBI and 12 stolen bases, he is still just 26 years old with the potential to be a star.

Crochet also stands out as an All-Star this season with a 3.02 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and a league-best 150 strikeouts in 107.1 innings. He has been a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the club and would likely bring a significant return in any deal.

Don't be surprised if the White Sox end up making multiple deals before the deadline.

After entering the All-Star break with the worst record in MLB, the Chicago White Sox could be on the verge of unloading some of their veterans before the July 30 trade deadline.

Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, veteran center fielder Tommy Pham is among the White Sox players would could be moved, as the Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals have "some interest" in adding him to bolster their outfield depth.

At 27-71, the White Sox are well on their way to missing the playoffs for the third straight year, so it seems likely that a firesale is on the horizon.

Heyman reported that star outfielder Luis Robert and starting pitcher Garrett Crochet "have a decent chance to be dealt" and added that Chicago is "even likelier to trade" its No. 1 starter Eric Fedde. In addition to Pham, Heyman also named shortstop Paul DeJong and closer Michael Kopech as players who are expected to generate interest on the trade market.

Pham signed a minor league contract with the White Sox in April and was added to the major league roster later that month. In 60 games this season, the 36-year-old is batting .264 with four home runs and 16 RBI.

The Royals could use an addition to their outfield after placing MJ Melendez on the 10-day injured list due to a left ankle sprain. The Phillies have a relatively healthy roster, but adding Pham would provide some stability as they try to contend for a World Series title this year.

Pham is no stranger to in-season trades, as he was dealt away at the trade deadline in each of the last two seasons. After being sent from the New York Mets to the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, he got his first taste of playing in the World Series, though the team fell to the Texas Rangers in five games.

A trade from the White Sox to a contending team would surely ignite motivation from the 11-year veteran to compete for the first title of his career.

The Cleveland Guardians have the best record in the American League, and they added to their riches on Sunday night by selecting second baseman Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 MLB draft.

Bazzana, who starred at Oregon State, is the first second baseman ever to be selected with the No. 1 pick.

The moment Travis Bazzana found out he was the No. 1 overall pick in the #MLBDraft 🥹 pic.twitter.com/XwTesPoLE9

— MLB (@MLB) July 14, 2024

Fans on social media couldn't hold back their excitement following the addition of Bazzana to the Guardians roster:

We're bananas for Bazzana. 🍌

With the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, we have selected 2B Travis Bazzana from Oregon State.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/pptQXhMQoq

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) July 14, 2024

And there it is: Cleveland takes Oregon State's Travis Bazzana with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Bazzana is the first 2B ever to go No. 1 overall. Just the second Beaver ever to go No. 1 overall, joining Adley Rutschman.

— Jarrid Denney (@jarrid_denney) July 14, 2024

TRAVIS BAZZANA IS A GUARDIAN LFGGGGG

— mmmmjooooo (@mmmmjooooo) July 14, 2024

https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1812627174358167982

Guardians select 2B Travis Bazzana with No. 1 overall pick.

• 1.479 OPS, 28 HR, 16 SB in 2024
• Oregon State career leader in H, HR, SB
• Won 2023 Cape Cod League batting title pic.twitter.com/dJXLpGhtrr

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) July 14, 2024

The @CleGuardians select Travis Bazzana with the #1 pick in the 2024 #MLBDraft! 👏👏👏

Congratulations Travis and welcome to The Show!#ForTheLand | #MLBTheShow pic.twitter.com/wFhdysJ5vD

— MLB The Show (@MLBTheShow) July 14, 2024

With the first overall pick, the Cleveland Guardians have selected 2B Travis Bazzana. Elite athlete with top-of-the-scale bat speed, a 70 hit tool, and comfortably 55 power (60 to the pull side). Feel for the barrel is off the charts. AA at 2B, 80 makeup! pic.twitter.com/s8Fxoaa1zB

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) July 14, 2024

Travis Bazzana, Cleveland Guardian.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 14, 2024

Bazzana is the best prospect, imo pic.twitter.com/5ObmCXrdJB

— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) July 14, 2024

Travis Bazzana just became the first Australian first round pick in MLB history.

• High school cricket captain, state champion
• Cape Cod MVP, Batting Champion
• All-Pac-12 First Team, Player of the Year
• Oregon State career leader in H, HR, SB

He’s headed to Cleveland as… pic.twitter.com/HTyT8VAHr5

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 14, 2024

Travis Bazzana and Jose Ramirez teaching their Guardians teammates pitch selection tips over the next decade is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

— Ben Gardner (@BenGardner87) July 14, 2024

Bazzana is a native of Australia and arrived at Oregon State in 2021. He was a finalist for the 2024 Golden Spikes Award after hitting .407/.568/.911 with 28 homers and 16 stolen bases in 60 games for the Beavers.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel ranked Bazzana as the No. 2 player in the class and praised him as a "more polished" hitter than No. 1 prospect Charlie Condon because of "his optimized swing rate, pitch selection, swing path/style and also his maxed-out frame." Condon was selected with the No. 3 pick by the Colorado Rockies.

Bazzana is likely to work his way through the minor leagues and earn a spot on the Guardians roster within the next few years. Pairing him with Cleveland star third baseman Jose Ramirez will create a formidable 1-2 punch for years to come.

The Guardians are 58-37 entering the All-Star break, and the selection of Bazzana gives their fans even more reason to celebrate their strong start to the 2024 season. Cleveland will be back in action on Friday against the San Diego Padres.

Cleveland Guardians star José Ramírez is the sixth confirmed participant in the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.

MLB announced on Tuesday that Ramírez has joined the field for the All-Star event at Globe Life Field in Texas.

José Ramírez wants back in!

The six-time All-Star will compete in his second #HRDerby.

(MLB x @TMobile) pic.twitter.com/1TOh0XI5da

— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2024

Let’s run it back. pic.twitter.com/Vpz1oD2i5n

— Jose Ramirez (@MrLapara) July 9, 2024

The other confirmed participants in the Home Run Derby so far include Pete Alonso of the New York Mets, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals and Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies.

This will mark Ramírez's second Home Run Derby appearance in the past three seasons. His first attempt was in 2022 when he lost to eventual champion Juan Soto in the first round.

Ramírez is a unique player because he hits a lot of home runs, but his skill set doesn't seem designed for the Derby format. The six-time All-Star isn't a standout in metrics like exit velocity or barrel percentage.

In fact, Ramírez only ranks in the 62nd percentile in barrel rate (9.0 percent) and 53rd percentile in hard-hit rate (40.5 percent).

José Ramírez crushes his 17th homer of the season. pic.twitter.com/fQMWAkCuh2

— MLB (@MLB) June 6, 2024

Bohm is the only other Derby participant who ranks below the 80th percentile in both categories. Alonso is in the 57th percentile in hard-hit percentage (41.3), but he's in the 82nd percentile in barrel rate (12.1).

Despite not being a player who typically hits majestic homers, Ramírez has been one of the most consistent power hitters in MLB since 2017. He has a .529 slugging percentage in his last eight seasons, including a .526 mark this season that's on pace to be his highest since 2021.

Ramírez's 23 homers this season are tied with Ozuna for the fourth-most in MLB. He's been one of the main driving forces for Cleveland's surprising first half. The Guardians enter Tuesday with the second-best mark in the AL (56-33) and a five-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.

Cleveland will send five players, including Ramírez, to the All-Star Game. The Phillies (seven) and Los Angeles Dodgers (six) are the only teams with more All-Star representatives. Ramírez will be a starter in the Midsummer Classic for the third time.

The 2024 Home Run Derby will take place on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET.

One of baseball's brightest stars will be on display at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.

MLB announced that Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is officially in the field for the 2024 Derby. This will be the first time he participates in a Home Run Derby.

He wants to go fast and hit home runs!@Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. is in for the #HRDerby!

(MLB x @TMobile) pic.twitter.com/3Czoj1OeJE

— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2024

See you all in Texas.. #HRDerby ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/7KmxIZaEks

— Bobby Witt Jr (@BwittJr) July 8, 2024

He joins a field that already consists of Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

---

It will be a homecoming for Witt as he grew up in Coleyville, Texas, which is less than 20 miles away from Globe Life Field, where the event is being held. He said the opportunity to debut in the derby close to home is something he is looking forward to.

"I'm just going to enjoy it, and whatever happens, happens," Witt said, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com. "Just have fun being back in Texas."

It's safe to say that Witt has earned this opportunity. The 24-year-old is quickly rising to superstardom, with his 2024 season serving as his best season yet. He is currently hitting .324/.372/.564 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs. He is on pace to beat his career highs in batting average (.276), home runs (30) and RBI (96) and is an MVP candidate in the AL.

His strong play has also been huge for the Royals, as the team is a playoff contender. Kansas City is currently 49-43 and sit just outside the third Wild Card spot. This comes from a franchise that went 56-106 in 2023 and has not reached the postseason since it's 2015 World Series title.

Witt will get the chance to showcase his talents on a major stage at the Derby before embarking on a crucial second half with the Royals.

The 2024 Home Run Derby is set for Monday, July 15.

As the Chicago White Sox prepare for a fire sale at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, re-evaluating the market value for trade chips may be a necessity.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that MLB GM's appear to be down on outfielder Luis Robert but view starting pitcher Erick Fedde as having a "robust" market.

"GMs are skeptical whether any team will meet their high price-tag for oft-injured center fielder Luis Robert Jr., of the White Sox, but believe the market will be robust for starter Erick Fedde (6-3, 3.13 ERA)," Nightengale wrote.

The White Sox will want a lot for Robert as he has shown high-level ability in the past. His 2023 season fits this narrative, as he hit .264/.315/.543 with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He earned an All-Star nod and won a Silver Slugger for this production, but has taken a step back in 2024.

He is hitting just .228/.305/.500 with 10 home runs, 19 RBIs and six stolen bases. He has also been limited to just 36 games, which reverts back to his inability to stay healthy from earlier in his career.

While he surely will have suitors who view him as a reclamation project, it's hard to imagine any team offering up full value for him. Fedde, on the other hand, is someone Chicago can sell high on.

He has been a new player since spending the 2023 season in Korea, and the 31-year-old will be an attractive arm for teams needing a strong mid-rotation starter to help with a playoff push.

The MLB Trade Deadline is set for July 30 at 6 P.M. ET.

The Chicago White Sox recently tried to engage Garrett Crochet in contract talks, but the feeling is the star pitcher will be dealt prior to the July 30 trade deadline.

Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the White Sox have "no optimism" about reaching a deal with Crochet and intend to trade him within the next month.

Nightengale noted there have been 15 teams that contacted Chicago's front office to express interest in the southpaw, with the Los Angeles Dodgers already making an offer that was "quickly rejected."

The White Sox are believed to be seeking prospects "with enormous upside" in any deal. Crochet's stock has skyrocketed this season, as he is firmly in the AL Cy Young conversation.

Another factor impacting Chicago's asking price is Crochet won't hit free agency until after the 2026 season. He is only making $800,000 this season in his first year of arbitration.

There is an elevated injury risk with Crochet, beyond just the normal concern that comes with being a pitcher in this current era of MLB. He missed all of 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and only appeared in 13 games out of the bullpen in 2023.

The 94.1 innings Crochet has thrown this season is 24.1 more than he had in the previous four years combined (73.0). This is also his first year as a starting pitcher after pitching exclusively out of the bullpen from 2020 to '23.

Crochet has done a fantastic job of alleviating some of the injury concerns so far this season. The 25-year-old is currently leading the AL in strikeouts (130) and MLB in strikeouts per nine innings (12.4).

If Crochet continues at that pace for the rest of 2024, he could be the most impactful player acquired by a contending team during the season.

The White Sox are smart to prioritize trading Crochet now to potentially avoid a situation where he could get injured later and lose some of his value. They own the worst record in MLB this season at 24-61. Their 46-win pace would be the second-fewest in a 162-game season in MLB history, ahead of the 2003 Detroit Tigers (43-119).