In a major move, the Red Sox have finally made their first big move of the offseason by acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. The deal includes a significant prospect haul, with catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez heading to Chicago.
Crochet, 25, emerged as a top trade target after an impressive season in 2024, where he excelled as a starter, striking out 209 batters with a 3.58 ERA. His elite performance made him a coveted asset in the pitching market.
With Crochet now in the rotation, the Red Sox can bolster their pitching staff and focus on other areas of improvement. The addition of a frontline starter with two years of club control gives Boston flexibility in shaping their roster for the future.
Following the departure of Nick Pivetta, the Red Sox will look to solidify their rotation with Crochet leading the way. The team’s focus on pitching under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been evident, and acquiring Crochet is a significant step in their quest to compete in the competitive AL East.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox will shift their attention to adding more offensive firepower. Players like Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, and Alex Bregman could be targets in free agency, while a trade for someone like Nolan Arenado could further enhance their lineup.
Assessing the White Sox’s Return
The White Sox received a strong prospect package in exchange for Crochet, with Teel headlining the deal. The catcher, a former first-round draft pick, brings a blend of athleticism and offensive potential to Chicago’s farm system.
Montgomery, another key piece in the trade, is a promising outfielder with the potential to become a standout player for the White Sox. With Meidroth and Gonzalez also joining the organization, Chicago adds depth and talent to their prospect pool.
Overall, the trade benefits both teams, with the Red Sox addressing a key need in their rotation and the White Sox acquiring promising young talent for the future. Only time will tell the full impact of this blockbuster deal on both franchises.