With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a crowded National League Central and very much in need of a roster shakeup.
One clear way that Chicago could separate itself in the division is by adding a quality starter to its rotation, which has been only average this season outside of Shota Imanaga's 6-1 record and 72 strikeouts.
An enticing target for the Cubs is the Chicago White Sox's 24-year-old phenom Garrett Crochet, who likely will be available as the White Sox are nowhere near win-now mode and will thus be hungry for prospect capital at the deadline.
Since Crochet is already a bona fide MLB starter, he does not fit within the White Sox's timeline, but he would certainly benefit a contender or a fringe playoff team like the Cubs looking for a pivotal personnel boost.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller even called him one of the top pitchers who could be dealt this summer.
"There's been a lot of scuttlebutt in recent days about Crochet possibly getting traded," Miller said. "The 24-year-old southpaw with two years of team control remaining has recorded a quality start in six of his last seven appearances and has surprisingly emerged as a viable Cy Young candidate. On any other team with any hope of contending again before 2026, there's no chance he would be on the trade block. But the White Sox might actually send the young ace packing if they can get enough prospect capital back, possibly from the (San Diego Padres) or the (Baltimore Orioles)."
Crochet leads Major League Baseball in strikeouts per nine innings (12.3), and he ranks second in total strikeouts (103). He has accrued a 6-5 record and 3.33 ERA this season, but these are numbers that cannot be taken at face value when one is pitching for a 17-51 ball club at the very bottom of the MLB standings.
Chicago could use another arm and Crochet may be available. Why not make a move?
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