MLB Rumors: Garrett Crochet Eyes New Contract if Traded; 'No Desire' for Bullpen Move

Chicago White Sox star ace Garrett Crochet is seeking a contract extension in order to pitch in the postseason should he be traded before the deadline, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Crochet, 25, also said he has "no desire" to move to the bullpen over starting, according to Rogers, and cited health concerns for his requests.

Crochet is under team control for two more seasons but wants some security before potentially pitching for a postseason contender in October.

Crochet's contract request comes amid a standout season, but one that has seen him pitch 111.1 innings, by far the most he has pitched since making his MLB debut in 2020. Even at the collegiate level, the former Tennessee star never pitched more than 65 innings.

Crochet began his MLB journey as a reliever, coming out of the bullpen in 2020 and 2021. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, he rejoined Chicago's bullpen late last season. Over the offseason, Crochet expressed interest in becoming a starter, and that move has paid off.

In 21 starts this year, Crochet has the second-most strikeouts in the majors with 157, also notching a 3.07 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Those figures have led to plenty of interest ahead of the deadline, but his contract and rotation requests could be a deal breaker for contenders looking to bolster the bullpen.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that the rebuilding Sox are "listening on everyone" ahead of the deadline, but given Crochet's level of play it will likely take an impressive offer for the team to send him elsewhere.

It was also reported Wednesday by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that "some in the industry expect" Chicago to hold Crochet at the deadline and instead move him this offseason.