Dodgers Rumors: Garrett Crochet trade could be expanded into blockbuster for LA

When the Dodgers designated James Paxton for assignment on Monday, it was a self-inflicted wound for a rotation that's already been beaten down by injuries. Tyler Glasnow will face the Giants on Wednesday, then Clayton Kershaw will follow on Thursday in what could be a pair of huge reliefs for LA, especially if Kershaw can come back and be himself.

Unfortunately, two more presumptive starters are still without timelines to return and another is down in the minors for the time being in Bobby Miller.

Paxton being DFA'ed spoke to the Dodgers' confidence in their ability to get a bigger and better lefty starter at the trade deadline, and just a day before the DFA, Bob Nightengale seemingly confirmed exactly how willing to go all-in they are.

He wrote that the Dodgers and White Sox have had conversations about a blockbuster that would send not only Garrett Crochet, who's reportedly been the Dodgers' No. 1 target (non-Skubal Division), but Luis Robert Jr. and perhaps even reliever Michael Kopech to LA as well.

This is, for lack of a better word, insanity. The Dodgers chasing Crochet already means setting themselves up to lose at least four prospects, and Robert would only drive that price up. It sort of feels like the Dodgers are placing a blank check in front of the White Sox and telling them to name their price.

Are the Dodgers on the way to a massive blockbuster with the White Sox for Garrett Crochet, Luis Robert Jr.?

A trade for Crochet, Robert, and Kopech would kill three birds with one stone. The Dodgers' concerns at the deadline are numerous, but are primarily starting pitching, outfield help, and bullpen reinforcements, and those three White Sox fit the bill completely. LA has already been linked to Crochet and Robert, but Kopech is a new name and one that could be a bit of a fixer-upper for the Dodgers.

He was demoted to the bullpen this season and has pitched just under 43 innings for a 4.85 ERA, and although he did throw an immaculate inning against the Twins on July 10, he was also blown up in just 2/3 of an inning against the Marlins a few days earlier.

Crochet and Robert would come with their own causes for concern. Crochet is a new starter and is likely innings-limited because of it, throwing just 12.2 frames last year after recovering from injury. Robert has been hurt this season and missed two months. However, given how consistently the Dodgers have been linked to them, both seem like an acceptable level of risk.

If the Dodgers pull this off, it would be the headlining trade of the deadline. Watch this space, because the Dodgers are onto something big.