LA Dodgers' top pitching target emerges, White Sox ace favored as MLB trade deadline nears

With the LA Dodgers on track for another postseason appearance, it is imperative that they plug the gaps in their roster if they are to avoid another early playoff exit. As per reports, Los Angeles is heavily interested in acquiring the Chicago White Sox' Garrett Crochet.

It has been a season to remember for the 25-year-old. In his first season as a full-time starter, Garrett Crochet has a 6-6 record with 3.02 ERA and 0.950 WHIP. He has a league-leading 150 strikeouts at a rate of 35.2%, which earned him his first ever All-Star cap this year.

The Dodgers need backup for their pitching staff. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler and Dustin May are dealing with long-term injuries. Their ace Tyler Glasnow has also had lower back tightness issues, and meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw is on his way back to the MLB from rehab. His past seasons prove that his reliability wears out as the season progresses.

Currently, Los Angeles have reportedly made signing Crochet a top priority. The team might be willing to use his innings in the bullpen for the time being, but thanks to performances on the mound this season, he might be a backup sixth starter for the franchise.

Why this is the perfect time for White Sox to trade Garrett Crochet?

Chicago are currently on track for a 44-win season. With a 27-72 record and nine days left for deadline day, the White Sox have to get the best out of their available resources. Currently, Garrett Crochet has an annual salary of just $800,000 and two years of club control left in his contract.

The White Sox have been unable to sign him to an extension, and at 25 years of age, it is in best interest of the club to get a big prospect package out of the team that will be trading for Crochet.

The Dodgers might not be the lone wolf in the race for signing Crochet. The Yankees and Padres seem to chasing the starter in order to strengthen their depth charts.