Dodgers Urged to ‘Pony Up’ for Blockbuster Trade of Projected $130M Ace

As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue basking in the glory of another World Series title, the front office is focused on building the 2025 roster. Could those plans include making a blockbuster trade for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet?

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts navigated through October with a severely depleted starting rotation. He leaned on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler. However, his pitching plans also included having bullpen games in each postseason round.

It ultimately worked, but as the adage goes, a team can never have enough pitching. Flaherty and Buehler have also hit free agency, so there's no guarantee they'll return next season.

That's where Crochet comes in. The White Sox are planning to trade the left-handed hurler this winter. FanSided's Christopher Kline listed five teams who need to "pony up" and make a trade happen with Chicago, putting the Dodgers at the top of his list.

"Japanese upstart Roki Sasaki has been a popular name tied to Los Angeles, but if he isn't posted for free agency this winter, Crochet is a logical pivot," Kline said. "He gives the Dodgers youth and potential longevity, operating on the same timeline age-wise as Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Crochet won't get the same 12-year investment, but he could be a face of the Dodgers rotation for many years and many World Series runs to come."

Crochet was a full-time starter for the first time in 2024. He produced a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. The lefty will be entering his age-25 campaign in 2025 and is projected to earn $2.9 million via arbitration, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

He's under team control through 2026, but his value could keep climbing if he builds on his most recent performance. Spotrac has pegged Crochet's current market-value estimate for a long-term deal at six years and $130 million.