Which teams are a fit for a Crochet trade?

November 13th, 2024

MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and trade rumors surrounding .

Nov. 13: These clubs could be involved in trade market for Crochet
Although the White Sox didn't move Crochet prior to the Trade Deadline, there appears to be little doubt about their intentions for the left-hander this offseason.

"They're going to trade him this winter," a rival evaluator told ESPN's Buster Olney at the GM Meetings last week. "It's not a matter of if; it's a question of when."

Olney shed some light on Crochet's potential market in an article for ESPN+ (subscription required) on Wednesday, noting that general manager Chris Getz is looking for "a package of prospects constructed around at least one high-ceiling youngster to anchor the deal." Chicago's preference is for that main piece to be a position player, but the team is open to a pitcher being the centerpiece, "depending on the depth and quality of the prospects offered."

Based on conversations with industry sources, Olney names the Phillies, Padres, Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, Orioles, Red Sox and Mets as teams that could pursue a Crochet trade.

Nov. 9: Mets showing interest in trading for Crochet (report)
According to a report in the New York Post, the Mets are "discussing" Crochet, who is one of the most likely players to be traded this offseason.

It would stand to reason given that three of New York's starters from 2024 -- Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and Luis Severino -- are free agents. Though the Mets are certainly in position to spend big this offseason, Crochet would be considerably cheaper in his remaining arbitration years than spending toward the top of the free agent pitching market.

Nov. 7: Crochet garnering trade interest from many clubs, but one stands out
The White Sox held on to Crochet through the 2024 Trade Deadline when they were receiving calls from many teams interested in acquiring the fireballing left-hander.

Now, an even greater number of clubs are trying to maneuver a deal for Crochet, general manager Chris Getz said during this week's General Managers Meetings.

Crochet entered this season with only 73 big league innings under his belt over parts of three seasons and a lengthy injury history. But from Opening Day on, he proved he could be an ace. Crochet received his first Major League start in that season opener and proceeded to strike out eight batters and allow one run over six innings. He eventually became a first-time All-Star and ended the season with 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. Given that big jump in innings, Crochet's workload was capped over the final few months of the season. He made it through the year without a stint on the injured list.

What do the White Sox want in return for Crochet, who has two years of club control remaining? Getz has made it pretty clear.

"We need to improve our offense, it’s very clear,” he told reporters Tuesday. “With any trade or free agency, we are looking for ways to improve our offense."

One team that could be a match for Chicago in a Crochet trade is the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox have six position players on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, including three in the top 10. They also have a few attractive pieces already at the big league level who are not yet eligible for arbitration. That group includes first baseman Triston Casas, catcher Connor Wong and Gold Glove outfielder Wilyer Abreu.

With so much high-quality position-player depth, "there’s a widespread sense that the Sox can trade for nearly anyone," according to The Boston Globe's Alex Speier (subscription required).

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi said Thursday from the GM Meetings that the Red Sox are "the team I think a lot of people around here are looking at very carefully" regarding a Crochet trade.