MLB Rumors: Phillies seen as ‘most aggressive’ in trade talks for White Sox star Garrett Crochet

Phillies fans, as realistic as it is, dream of Juan Soto in red pinstripes. It makes sense to upgrade the Phils’ lineup after their bats went cold in two consecutive postseasons, but could the team’s biggest move this offseason actually be in the rotation?

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, look for the Phillies to be in the market for White Sox star Garrett Crochet:

No already employed player was more sought after at these GM meetings than Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet, who struck out 209 batters in 146 innings and made just $800,000 last season. The White Sox have openly told teams he is available and are expected to trade him near the end of the winter meetings, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Dodgers being the most aggressive.

“A long list of teams have expressed interest,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said. “The right players must be there. We are focusing on the return of position players. We cannot force anything. That is clear.” (US today)

Crochet, who will enter his age-26 season in 2025, is coming off his first All-Star appearance. With a career 3.29 ERA, Crochet struck out a whopping 12.9 batters per nine innings in 32 starts last season.

Crochet is under team control through the 2026 MLB season before hitting free agency.

The Phillies’ rotation was the best in baseball for much of the 2024 campaign, but Ranger Suarez declined as this year progressed and the fifth starting spot consistently proved disastrous. All Stars Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez and Aaron Nola are locked into long-term deals, but Suarez will be a free agent after next season. If the Phillies’ front office is looking to go all-in on a championship run in 2025 and they strike out on Soto, then it makes sense to pivot to rotational help with the goal of overwhelming opponents with pitching.

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