In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago White Sox's star pitcher, Corbin Crochet, has made it clear that he won't be pitching in the playoffs unless he receives a contract extension. This revelation has sparked a flurry of trade discussions surrounding the talented 25-year-old.

Despite the uncertainty caused by Crochet's stance, sources indicate that the market for him remains active. While some teams are hesitant to move forward due to his reported refusal to pitch without a contract extension, others continue to pursue the young pitcher. The San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers are believed to be among the interested parties.

Critics argue that Crochet's demand for an extension is premature, considering his relatively short time as a major-league starter. Although he has shown promise, some believe that his newfound success should not entitle him to make such demands.

Nevertheless, Crochet's agency, CAA, has a history of advising players to impose limits on their workload until they secure long-term contracts. This tactic was employed with pitcher Josh Hader, who eventually landed a lucrative five-year, $95 million deal. The fear among potential suitors is that Crochet could follow a similar path, using physical ailments to avoid pitching in the playoffs and undermining the purpose of acquiring him.

Despite the complexities surrounding these trade talks, several factors make a deal attractive for teams pursuing Crochet. With his impressive performance and two additional years of control beyond this season, any team acquiring him would have a strong incentive to prioritize his health and keep him on the field.

However, committing to an extension just to ensure Crochet's postseason availability may seem laughable to some teams, considering the risks involved. Additionally, if Crochet maintains his desired pitching schedule, there is a concern that he might be fatigued come October.

Among the potential suitors, the Los Angeles Dodgers stand out as a team that could potentially offer Crochet an extension. With their financial resources and rotation uncertainty, the Dodgers might see him as a valuable addition to their investment portfolio.

Ultimately, the trade saga surrounding Corbin Crochet isn't likely to be resolved until the approaching trade deadline at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday. If a deal isn't reached by then, the possibility of a trade taking place in the offseason becomes more likely, as Crochet would have a full season as a starter under his belt.

While the White Sox may be hesitant to part ways with their ace, the idea of keeping him for the rest of the season also raises questions. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and how it will impact Crochet's future in the MLB.

One thing is clear, however - the Crochet trade saga has added an intriguing plotline to the upcoming MLB playoffs, as teams assess the risks and rewards of acquiring this talented but demanding young pitcher.