As the Philadelphia Phillies aim to strengthen their roster this offseason, recent rumors suggest they may pursue a high-impact trade for Chicago White Sox All-Star starter Garrett Crochet. Although the Phillies are primarily focused on upgrading their outfield and bullpen, adding an elite starting pitcher like Crochet could further elevate their rotation and make them serious contenders in 2025.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently identified the Phillies as a potential trade destination for Crochet, arguing that he could serve as a more affordable and efficient alternative to Taijuan Walker. With Crochet projected to earn just $2.9 million in arbitration, he would provide Philadelphia with a high-upside pitcher without significantly impacting their payroll.
What Would the Phillies Need to Give Up?
To acquire Crochet, the Phillies would likely need to part with a substantial package of prospects, potentially including:
- Aidan Miller – the Phillies’ No. 1 prospect, known for his rapid rise through the minors and strong offensive capabilities, reaching Double-A with high promise.
- Eduardo Tait – the team’s No. 5 prospect, who had a standout minor league season batting .302 with 11 home runs. He’s seen as a potential future replacement for J.T. Realmuto.
- Seth Johnson – ranked No. 15, a former first-round pick with a career ERA below 3.00 in the minors. Despite a rough debut, he’s considered a solid middle-to-backend rotation option.
Is the Trade Worth the Cost?
Despite Crochet’s potential, this trade comes with risks. Crochet had a breakout All-Star season in his first year as a starter, posting a 3.58 ERA and 209 strikeouts across 146 innings. However, his performance waned in the latter half of 2024 when he was placed on an innings limit, showing some control issues and finishing the season with a 4.84 ERA over his last 14 appearances. Additionally, Crochet underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, which raises long-term durability concerns.
While Crochet’s upside is clear, trading top prospects for an unproven starter could be a gamble. The Phillies have a solid rotation core, and a move for Crochet might be premature if it depletes their farm system. Given the cost of this package and Crochet’s limited track record, the trade would likely receive a cautious grade of B-. However, given the Phillies’ interest in Crochet since the trade deadline, the deal may still be on the table.
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