Another World Series contender emerges as threat to Padres' Garrett Crochet chase

San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations AJ Preller has not been quiet about his intentions at the MLB trade deadline — he wants to acquire Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet.

While some may question Preller's motivation to trade for a high-priced pitcher who's surpassed his career-high in innings pitched with two-plus months to go in 2024 season, there's no denying the fact that once the Padres' top decision-maker has his mind made up, he'll go to great lengths in order to see his vision through.

But Preller might be outgunned this go-around. The Padres are not the only team interested in trading for Crochet, nor do they truly have the assets necessary to pull off a blockbuster deal without sacrificing some of their top-rated prospects.

Phillies and Dodgers stand in the Padres way of acquiring Garrett Crochet at the MLB trade deadline

Most Pads fans know that San Diego's chief rival in the NL West — the Los Angeles Dodgers — are seeking to upgrade their starting rotation at the trade deadline. But LA isn't the only World Series contender in the mix for Crochet.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to bolster their rotation as well and have targeted both Crochet and Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty. Philllies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, much like Preller, is known to be aggressive in his trade deadline pursuits.

The Padres' farm system might be a bit deeper than the Phillies', but the Friars have already deemed top prospect Ethan Salas as untouchable. Throw in the fact that San Diego already dealt away Dillon Head, Drew Thorpe, and Jakob Marsee earlier this year, and Philadelphia might have a deeper talent pool to rifle through in order to tempt the White Sox to make a deal.

Preller does not have the element of surprise on his side during these negotiations, and there are bound to be other teams interested in Crochet beyond just the Dodgers and Phillies. If the Baltimore Orioles enter the mix, no team in baseball stands a chance, as Mike Elias and the O's front office have assembled the deepest farm system in baseball. Preller's chances of securing Crochet have lessened with just a few days left before the trade deadline expires.

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