O's, Red Sox seen as contenders for Crochet
MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and trade rumors surrounding Garrett Crochet.
Nov. 27: O's, Red Sox seen as contenders for Crochet
Several teams have reportedly considered trading for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. But a National League executive tells MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that one club is "the team to watch on [Crochet], for sure." That would be the Baltimore Orioles.
The O's were in on Blake Snell before he agreed to a five-year contract with the Dodgers (per sources) on Tuesday. Although they could try to bring Corbin Burnes -- regarded as the No. 1 pitcher in this year's free-agent class -- back to Baltimore, the Orioles have been more often linked to other available hurlers such as Max Fried and Nathan Eovaldi.
However, Crochet may be even more attainable for Baltimore given its wealth of prospect talent. The Orioles own the No. 3 farm system in baseball, per MLB Pipeline, and six of their top seven prospects are position players. That is what the White Sox are targeting in return for Crochet, who is under team control through 2026.
Meanwhile, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi is keeping an eye on the Boston Red Sox -- another reported Snell suitor before he landed with the Dodgers -- in the Crochet trade derby. Boston is loaded with highly touted position-player prospects, too, which could make it an attractive trade partner for the White Sox.
Per a report from the Boston Globe (subscription required), the Red Sox are looking to add a top starter even if they can seal the deal with their primary target, superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Signing Soto would leave the team with less financial flexibility to do so, perhaps making Crochet a better fit for Boston than one of the top remaining arms on the free-agent market.
Nov. 25: Phils have had 'extensive talks' with White Sox
The Phillies and White Sox have discussed potential packages for Crochet that include All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm and highly touted outfield prospect Justin Crawford, per a report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Crawford is Philadelphia's No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, while Bohm is coming off his best season in the big leagues. The 28-year-old Bohm hit .295 with an .830 OPS in the first half on his way to his first career All-Star selection, but he put up just a .681 OPS following the break.
The White Sox reportedly have some hesitation about that second-half dip, though Bohm has been a streaky hitter during his time in the big leagues. He's also had his troubles defensively, though he's coming off a much-improved showing at the hot corner in 2024.
Nov. 22: These teams seem most interested in Crochet
With Crochet headlining the list of potential trade candidates this offseason, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman says four clubs -- the Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies -- are showing the most interest in acquiring the White Sox left-hander.
Heyman wrote for the New York Post that the O's and Red Sox are in prime position to strike a deal based on the position-player talent that Chicago is likely seeking in return. Of course, there's still plenty of time for another team to enter the mix, with Heyman noting that others have also expressed interest.
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.