JUST IN: Phillies Land 209-Strikeout All-Star Ace in Massive Five-Player Trade Proposal

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly pursuing a trade for Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. With Blake Snell seemingly heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers, competition for the 26-year-old left-hander could intensify. Should Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski present an offer too enticing for the White Sox to refuse?

Philadelphia’s rotation is currently led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, supported by solid mid-rotation options Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez. However, veteran Taijuan Walker remains a weak link, struggling in the second year of his four-year, $72 million contract with a 7.10 ERA over 83 2/3 innings. Swapping Walker for Crochet would be a significant upgrade. Crochet earned his first All-Star nod in 2024, posting a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings.

With Snell off the table, teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees may turn their attention to free-agent lefty Max Fried. Meanwhile, as the market for left-handed starters tightens, the competition for Crochet is likely to escalate.

FanSided’s Chris Landers proposed a hypothetical trade involving the Phillies acquiring Crochet and the White Sox receiving third baseman Alec Bohm, outfielder Justin Crawford, shortstop Starlyn Caba, and right-hander Taijuan Walker. Including Walker would primarily serve to shed some of his salary, but the rest of the package is compelling. Bohm, despite postseason struggles, was an All-Star in 2024 and drove in 97 runs over 606 plate appearances. MLB.com ranks Crawford and Caba among the Phillies’ top five prospects, at third and fourth respectively.

While this offer might suffice for Crochet, who is under team control for two more seasons, White Sox general manager Chris Getz could opt to wait. Last offseason, Getz delayed trading Dylan Cease until February, ultimately securing a strong return from the San Diego Padres. As teams grow more desperate for left-handed starters, Getz may look to maximize Crochet’s value before finalizing a deal.