The upcoming 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline promises significant moves across the league, with teams like the St. Louis Cardinals actively seeking to solidify their roster for a postseason push.
Currently holding a 50-45 record as the All-Star break approaches, the Cardinals have shown resilience after a rocky start to the season. Initially struggling and risking a repeat of their 2023 performance, they’ve managed to turn their season around and are now poised as likely buyers heading into the trade deadline.
St. Louis’ primary target remains bolstering their starting rotation, particularly in acquiring another frontline starter to complement Sonny Gray. One name that prominently figures in their trade discussions is Garrett Crochet, the ace from the Chicago White Sox. According to reports by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Crochet has been at the center of trade rumors throughout the season and is expected to be available for the right price.
“Two years of control to go, so the price is understandably high,” Heyman noted. “Odds to go: 4-5 in favor (56 percent).”
Heyman’s assessment underscores Crochet’s potential availability and the significant interest around him. Leading the league with 150 strikeouts and boasting a stellar 2.36 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), Crochet offers formidable pitching prowess with team control extending for the next two seasons. For St. Louis, securing a pitcher of Crochet’s caliber could address their immediate need for a reliable ace and fortify their pitching rotation for competitive seasons ahead.
While acknowledging the potential high cost in prospects, acquiring Crochet could position the Cardinals favorably in their quest for postseason success. As the trade deadline approaches, St. Louis appears poised to make bold moves that could reshape their roster dynamics and elevate their competitiveness in the National League.