One of Major League Baseball’s biggest offseason trade targets has two major contenders, according to top MLB experts.
In a historically tragic season for the Chicago White Sox, a positive note has emerged. All-Star left-handed pitcher Garret Crochet has emerged as a first-line starter and is expected to draw trade interest in both leagues.
“I think it’s a safe bet that they’ll get traded, and the two teams I’m looking at are the Mets and the Red Sox.” MLB expert Buster Olney said this on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight podcast. On the same podcast, ESPN’s Jeff Passan added, “Teams looking to acquire Crochet know he’ll sign an extension.”
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JUNE 1: Garrett Crochet #45 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on June 1, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
John Fisher/Getty Images
Both the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets have starting pitching needs, for very different reasons. The Mets have three key starting pitchers – José Quintana, Luis Severino and Sean Manaea (pending player option) – facing free agency. Each of these three pitchers made more than 30 starts for the Mets in 2024, combining for 534 innings over the course of the season.
The Red Sox, on the other hand, have little starting pitching ability and have missed the postseason in five of the last six seasons. In 2024, only 35% of the Red Sox’ starts were considered quality starts, below the league average, and their 82 pitches per start also placed them below the MLB average.
Bottom line: The Mets need starting pitchers to maintain their place as a postseason power; The Red Sox need starting pitchers to return to the postseason.
After a rough April in which the lefty made seven starts, Crochet posted a 2.83 ERA with a 162-24 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a .222 batting average in his last 25 starts and 111 and a third inning pitched of the year. .
It goes without saying that both teams would benefit from Crochet’s services, as would any team. The acquisition cost, however, will not be cheap, both in terms of the commercial package and the extension that Crochet expects after commercialization.
More MLB: Red Sox extend $21M offer to mediocre pitcher for key outfielder role
