White Sox-Padres trade for Garrett Crochet could be thwarted by worst possible rival

San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller is undoubtedly preparing for the upcoming MLB trade deadline. San Diego was just outside the playoff picture heading into the All-Star break, and the team is expected to be a buyer with just over a week left before the deadline passes.

One of the biggest targets on Preller's radar is reportedly Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. The left-hander was the White Sox lone All-Star and has a 3.02 ERA and 35.2% strikeout rate heading into the second half of the season.

But with numbers like that, it's not shocking to hear that the Padres are not alone in their pursuit of Chicago's southpaw. Unfortunately for Pads fans, the one team that is said to have heavy interest in acquiring Crochet's services just so happens to be the same division. Yes, it's the Los Angeles Dodgers.

White Sox-Padres trade for Garrett Crochet could be thwarted by LA Dodgers

According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the Dodgers are heavily in on both Crochet and White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The report also indicates that LA may be trying to put together a prospect-laden package for both players, as well as Michael Kopech.

The injury bug has definitely affected the Padres this season, but they're not alone. The Dodgers have lost a lot of talented starters to the IL as well. Though Clayton Kershaw is making his way back from injury, the Dodgers are still without Walker Buehler, Tyler Glasnow, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Dustin May. It's plain to see why LA is looking to upgrade their rotation as well.

So while it's not necessarily surprising that the Dodgers — and their seemingly endless resources — are targeting Crochet at the deadline, it's definitely deflating for the Friar faithful. But don't be surprised, as the trade deadline gets closer, if teams like the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and others look to acquire the White Sox ace and continue to serve as thorns in the Padres' side.

More San Diego Padres News and Rumors