The Dodgers front office is already hard at work this offseason and have their eyes on American League All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet.
The Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz told USA Today Crochet will be available this offseason, according to Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers are among the two most aggressive teams.
“A long list of teams have expressed interest,” Getz said. “The right players have to be there. We are focusing on position-player return. We can’t force anything. That is clear.”
Los Angeles attempted to add the Chicago White Sox’s left-handed pitcher to their rotation at the trade deadline. But, the White Sox wanted prospects that the Dodgers refused to give up. Therefore, the teams could not agree on a move.
Chicago suffered a record-breaking number of losses in the regular season, marking the most in modern MLB history. As a result, the team needs to focus on rebuilding — and trading Crochet is the first step. Crochet only earned $800,000 last season but will be worth way more in the trade market and give the White Sox a chance to add developmental players.
In addition to the Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies have expressed interest in Crochet. Like the Dodgers, the Phillies also tried to acquire Crochet at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles already has a sturdy rotation lined up for next season, headlined by Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers expect Tyler Glasnow to be healthy by spring training, and Shohei Ohtani is another possible starter, but his recent elbow surgery may delay his Dodger debut on the mound.
Currently, starting pitchers Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw are free agents. But, Kershaw already said he will be a “Dodger for life” despite declining his player option. He will likely receive another contract from the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the franchise did not extend a qualifying offer to Buehler.
