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.
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MLB Insider: Brewers Free Agent Has Multiple Offers
MLB insider Mike Rodriguez is reporting that the New York Mets are one of multiple teams with offers on the table for Milwaukee Brewers free agent and shortstop Willy Adames. They reportedly have extended an offer of over $160 million for seven years. Adames’ innate position is shortstop, but if the Mets do acquire him they want to place him at third base. But Adames is hoping to remain at his natural position. But simultaneously, the 29-year-old is keeping his options open as the 2024 World Series champs, the Los Angeles Dodgers also have an offer cooking for Adames. According to Will Sammon and Katie Woo of The Athletic, “Free agent Willy Adames wants to stay at shortstop but would be willing to play a different position if he gets a strong offer from a team in position to win…”
MLB Insider Rodriguez: Brewers Free Agent Willy Adames Receiving Offers
In the 2024 season, Adames sported a .251 batting average along with 32 home runs and 112 RBI. He also had 21 stolen bases, a WAR of 3.1, and 153 hits. Adames made his MLB debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 and played with them until 2021. During this time Adames showcased promising strength, finesse, and talent that has led to the player he is today. He demonstrated this both at the plate and defensively, and his recent play in Milwaukee makes him deserving of a large offer. Adames and Dodgers World Series MVP Freddie Freeman are reportedly close friends, which means the Mets have major competition. The Mets already lost the battle in the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers.
