Garrett Crochet & Nico Hoerner Trade

Trade rumors surrounding Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox players have been swirling this offseason, fueled by information about Garrett Crochet‘s potential move and Nico Hoerner’s growing trade interest. The Cubs are reportedly “viable suitors” for Crochet, a left-handed pitcher with electric stuff and two years of club control remaining. Meanwhile, rumors about the A’s pursuing Nico Hoerner have also gained traction, adding fuel to the fire. But what would it take for the Cubs to land Crochet, and why might a trade with their crosstown rivals be challenging?

The Cubs’ Potential Interest in Garrett

Garrett Crochet, a highly talented pitcher, has been a key target for several teams, including the Cubs. Known for his high strikeout rate and impressive stuff, Crochet would be a valuable addition to the Cubs’ pitching staff. However, the price tag is steep, and the Cubs would likely need to make a strong commitment to secure him. One of the most significant factors in pursuing Crochet is his impending arbitration eligibility. With only two years of team control left and an expected salary of around $3 million for 2024, Crochet isn’t exactly a blockbuster free-agent acquisition, but he still represents a significant long-term investment. If the Cubs were to trade for him, it would make sense to secure an extension to avoid the risk of losing him after just two seasons.

The Cubs have been reluctant to hand out massive contracts for pitchers in recent years, but the value of acquiring a 25-year-old potential ace with team control could outweigh the cost of a long-term deal. Buying out a couple of arbitration years would make this scenario more palatable, and it could end up being a smarter financial move than spending nine figures on a pitcher like Max Fried.

The Prospect Cost for Crochet

While the Cubs might not be afraid to pay for an extension, the bigger challenge lies in what they would need to give up to acquire Crochet. The White Sox are in a rebuilding phase and will demand a high price for their ace, as they could be asking for top prospects in return.

Despite the White Sox’s reputation for trading away players, they know they can extract a premium for Crochet due to his age, performance, and team control. The Cubs may be willing to discuss trading players like Owen Caissie or James Triantos, with Triantos being particularly valuable. However, there’s no way they’re parting with their top prospect, Matt Shaw, who has shown exceptional promise at every level. Shaw’s recent breakout performance at the Premier12 tournament only increases his stock, and he may even break camp with the Cubs as the starting second baseman.

In addition to position players, the Cubs could also offer pitching prospects. If the Cubs were to acquire another left-handed pitcher like Crochet, they may be willing to part with Jordan Wicks, a promising southpaw who could help bolster the White Sox’s rotation in the future.

The Complications of a Crosstown Trade

While the Cubs’ pursuit of Crochet is intriguing, the likelihood of a trade happening between the two crosstown rivals is slim. Intercity trades are notoriously difficult, and the emotional and business stakes are high. Even if the Cubs can meet the White Sox’s prospect demands, the logistics of a deal within the same market might complicate things further.

Moreover, the Cubs may find it easier to trade with other teams outside the Chicago area, especially if they are willing to send a top-tier prospect like Matt Shaw or Owen Caissie in exchange for an elite pitcher like Crochet.

Why the A’s Are Interested in Hoerner

In addition to the Crochet rumors, there’s growing buzz surrounding Nico Hoerner and potential trade interest from the Oakland A’s. Hoerner, known for his defense and bat-to-ball skills, is a valuable asset for the Cubs, but with the team looking to add to their pitching staff, they may have to make some tough decisions regarding their infield depth. The A’s are reportedly targeting Hoerner as a potential upgrade to their lineup, but the Cubs will likely be cautious about moving one of their most consistent players.

Conclusion

While the Cubs’ pursuit of Garrett Crochet is enticing, the trade is far from a sure thing. The high asking price from the White Sox, combined with the complexities of a crosstown deal, makes it unlikely that this trade will happen soon. Even though the Cubs have the financial flexibility to extend Crochet, the real obstacle is the prospect cost and the difficulty of negotiating a trade within the same city.

The Cubs will likely explore other avenues before committing to a deal with the White Sox. Whether they opt to pursue Crochet or another pitcher, the key will be balancing their financial commitments and prospect pool to make sure any trade benefits their long-term success. As for the A’s and Nico Hoerner, it remains to be seen if they can strike a deal, but Hoerner’s value will continue to make him a coveted asset this offseason.