The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced a challenging 2024 season marred by significant injuries to key players such as Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Max Muncy. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers’ front office is actively exploring options to bolster their roster, particularly in light of these setbacks.
A glaring need for the Dodgers is at the shortstop position, a concern that predates Betts’ recent injury. However, sources indicate that Bo Bichette is not high on their list of potential targets, and viable alternatives are scarce during this summer’s trade market.
While shortstop remains a priority, another avenue for improvement is center field. Enhancing this position could compensate for deficiencies either offensively or defensively caused by the team’s current predicament at shortstop. Nevertheless, pitching stands out as an even more pressing need for Los Angeles, with the rotation requiring reinforcement due to ongoing challenges.
During an appearance on Fox Sports, respected MLB insider Ken Rosenthal revealed that the Dodgers are keen on acquiring a starting pitcher before the trade deadline, highlighting Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox as their preferred candidate. Crochet, a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, has garnered attention due to his impressive statistics, including a 3.02 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 141 strikeouts across 101.1 innings pitched in 2024.
Rosenthal noted that Crochet’s rejection of a contract extension from Chicago has significantly increased the likelihood of him being traded. Moreover, with his contract running through 2026, acquiring Crochet could potentially secure a long-term asset for the Dodgers’ rotation.
However, there are concerns surrounding Crochet’s workload, particularly since he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022. Already surpassing his career-high in innings pitched, there’s a prevailing belief that any team acquiring him would need to manage his workload carefully, possibly transitioning him to a bullpen role at some point.
Despite these considerations, Rosenthal emphasized that Crochet’s potential as a front-line starter makes him an attractive addition to the Dodgers’ roster. While the workload issue may influence the Dodgers’ trade strategy and what they are willing to offer in return, it is unlikely to deter their pursuit of securing a pitcher of Crochet’s caliber.
In conclusion, as the Dodgers navigate their options leading up to the trade deadline, acquiring a starting pitcher—preferably Garrett Crochet—emerges as a pivotal objective. Addressing this need could not only fortify their rotation in the short term but also provide stability and impact well into the future, aligning with their aspirations to contend despite the season’s adversities.
