Padres Rumors: Garrett Crochet may not be the only White Sox pitcher SD covets

The cat is out of the bag in regards to the San Diego Padres' interest in Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet. The left-hander is apparently the apple of AJ Preller's eye, and the Friar faithful should keep a close watch on how the Padres President of Baseball Operations approaches the upcoming MLB trade deadline.

Preller is known to oftentimes focus in on a player that he wants, and the Padres' top executive doesn't give up easily. With Chicago all but waving the white flag on the 2024 season, if San Diego is willing to meet what's sure to be a gigantic asking price, Crochet could find his way to southern California before July 30.

But will Crochet be the only White Sox hurler leaving the South Side of Chicago? MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) dropped an interesting tidbit that suggests the Padres may not be content with adding just one White Sox pitcher at the MLB trade deadline.

Padres Rumors: Could San Diego trade for both Garrett Crochet and Michael Kopech?

Rosenthal mentions that a shutdown right-handed reliever is the top priority, and floated the idea of a Crochet-Michael Kopech trade package. Yes, please! Adding the duo of Crochet and Kopech to the Friars pitching staff would undoubtedly help move San Diego from a fringe playoff team into a contender for the National League pennant.

Dylan Cease, who came to the Padres courtesy of an early-spring trade with the White Sox, has become San Diego's ace. Bringing not just one, but two former teammates to America's Finest City would help put the Padres on par with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Kopech is one of the hardest thrower in the game — averaging nearly 99 mph on his fastball — and has struck out over 30% of the batters he's faced in 2024. Kopech's 14% walk-rate is less than desirable, as is his 4.76 ERA, but if Preller is looking for an electric arm to add to the Padres bullpen, the right-hander certainly fits that criteria.

Landing Crochet and Kopech might seem a bit ambitious, and would all but drain the entire Padres farm system, but if San Diego is looking to make more than just a playoff push, they'll need some reinforcements in the starting rotation and the bullpen.

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