1 Prospect Yankees Won’t Offer to White Sox in Garrett Crochet Trade

The MLB trade deadline will provide the New York Yankees with opportunities to bolster their roster ahead of the playoffs. While Aaron Boone’s team currently sits in second place in the American League East, they still have a lot of work to do to steal the top spot from the Baltimore Orioles. One key addition that could help Aaron Judge’s team is Garrett Crochet. However, Pedro Grifol and the Chicago White Sox want someone in return. His name is Spencer Jones.

The White Sox have expressed interest in Spencer Jones, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Aaron Boone’s Yankees, on the other hand, aren’t exactly willing to part with the outfielder at this MLB trade deadline right now. That pattern of not wanting to part with their management’s hitter has continued. In fact, he was also the missing piece the White Sox wanted from the Yankees when they tried to pursue Dylan Cease.

Spencer Jones has started to shine as of late. He has posted a .370/.460/.644 average over his 61 games. His ability to dominate with the bat in his hands is also incredible. Over the same span, the Yankees outfielder has 64 strikeouts and 21 doubles. Not to mention, he has also hit 12 home runs directly from the box to help his team.

It’s completely understandable that the White Sox would want Jones at the MLB trade deadline. Pedro Grifol and management surely don’t want to give up Garrett Crochet without getting someone of equal value in return. But the Yankees’ perspective also makes sense. They were able to get Jones alongside Aaron Judge, which made their hitting rotation incredibly deep. The fact that he’s only 23 also increases their chances of contending for the World Series in the coming years.

Why do the Yankees want Garrett Crochet at the MLB trade deadline?

The answer is very simple, they need pitching. The cracks in this team are starting to show in the middle of the season and the best example is that they have won only two of their last 10 games. They should have beaten the Orioles for first place in the American League East, but this period has not allowed them to do so.

Crochet is the only top-tier starting pitcher worth trading at the MLB trade deadline. His numbers speak for themselves, and it’s easy to see why the Yankees would want him. He has 141 strikeouts, which leads the entire American League, while posting a 2.37 FIP and 3.9 WAR. His durability has also reached another level this season. Prior to this 2024 campaign, he hadn’t logged more than 54 1/3 innings. Now, he appears to be on pace to play 200.

The Yankees must decide whether to keep Jones in their outfield or add Crochet to their pitching staff. Time is running out for Aaron Boone’s team. If they don’t make a move soon, other teams will surely make the deal.