The New York Yankees, currently 60-44, trail the Baltimore Orioles by just one and a half games in the American League East. Despite a recent 10-22 slump revealing some weaknesses, the team has an opportunity to strengthen its roster before the July 30 trade deadline. Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggested a trade that would send Luis Gil and others to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Garrett Crochet.
Bowden’s proposed trade details are:
**Yankees receive:**
– LHP Garrett Crochet
**White Sox receive:**
– RHP Luis Gil
– OF Spencer Jones
– RHP Will Warren
Bowden argues that Gil could immediately join the White Sox’s rotation, while Jones, who is 23, has the potential to become a key player in Chicago’s lineup with 30-homer, 30-steal potential, although he needs to improve his contact skills. This type of trade is uncharacteristic for Yankees GM Brian Cashman, who typically avoids trading top prospects, but acquiring Crochet might necessitate it.
**Yankees’ Prospects in the Deal:**
Spencer Jones is currently the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, with their No. 1 prospect, Jasson DomÃnguez, sidelined by injuries. Though trading either is unlikely, it’s not impossible, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Jones, currently in Double-A, is hitting .236/.319/.403. The Yankees are reportedly open to including Jones in a trade for Crochet or Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal, as noted by USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale.
Luis Gil has shown promise with a 2.03 ERA in his first 14 starts but has struggled recently with a 6.26 ERA over his last six outings and leads MLB in walks this season. Will Warren, the Yankees’ No. 7 prospect, has a 6.11 ERA in 20 Triple-A starts this season. Adding him to the trade would mean the Yankees are sending two top-10 prospects to Chicago. Crochet, who is arbitration-eligible for the next two seasons, would bolster the Yankees’ short-term future.
**Challenges in Acquiring Crochet:**
The White Sox, holding the worst record in baseball, are clear sellers this trade season, but trading Crochet isn’t straightforward. 2024 marks Crochet’s first season as a starter, raising concerns about his ability to handle a starter’s workload throughout the season. Additionally, Crochet prefers to remain a starter for his long-term health, and potential buyers are aware of his reluctance to become a high-leverage reliever or assume a hybrid role without a long-term contract extension.
Crochet’s desire for an extension presents another challenge, as teams would need to commit to him without knowing his capacity to pitch effectively in October. Despite these hurdles, Crochet, an All-Star this season with a 3.07 ERA and leading the American League in strikeouts per nine innings, might be a worthwhile acquisition for the Yankees.
