Additions to the starting rotation are one of the Boston Red Sox's key offseason priorities. The other Sox in the league need to fix, well, everything.
A recent update from the White Sox shows just how easy it may be for the Red and White Sox to help each other. MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that Chicago will look to trade its young star pitcher Garrett Crochet this offseason.
The White Sox debated dealing Crochet at the trade deadline but ultimately held onto the 25-year-old All-Star. He posted a 3.58 ERA with an outstanding 209 strikeouts and 33 walks in 146 innings of work. His quality season was wasted by Chicago's league-worst offense.
MLB insider Jon Heyman stated on a recent installment of his Bleacher Report livestream that he "believes" the Red Sox and White Sox could pull off a trade that would ship Crochet to Boston. Heyman praised the Red Sox's coaching staff for the evolution of their starting rotation in just one season, and he said they "know what they're doing" when it comes to pitching.
MLB insider Jon Heyman believes the Red Sox could trade for Garrett Crochet this offseason
Garrett Crochet's final 2024 start: filthy pic.twitter.com/OQNFNCEqVA
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2024
The Red Sox have an excess of position player talent in their minor league system with almost no starting pitchers near MLB readiness. The Soxs could easily make a deal that could suit both teams' needs based on Boston's pool of talent.
If the Red Sox don't want to trade from their top prospect pool, they'll have to act fast. The market for pitchers has been out of control since last offseason — Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell sought monster deals that no one bit on and teams had the nerve to ask the Red Sox for Marcelo Mayer or Roman Anthony in exchange for a reliever at the deadline. Boston hasn't been keen to spend in excess or make risky trades in recent years, and it would be in its best interest to make a move quickly if it wants Crochet in different Sox next year.