Add two more teams to the list of possible suitors for Garrett Crochet.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi has reported that the Cubs and Reds are among the “viable candidates” for the White Sox left-hander. Despite previous speculation, this is the first time that both teams have been directly linked to Crochet.
Of the two clubs, the Cubs are far and away the better trade partner thanks to their abundance of young position players. Morosi previously reported that the North Sider’s top outfield prospect Owen Caissie will be on the trading block this offseason due to a crowded outfield. He could easily become one of the headliners in a deal, along with other top 100 prospects in the Cubs system like Matt Shaw (No. 1), Moises Ballesteros (No. 44), James Triantos (No. 55), Kevin Alcántara (No. 67), Cam Smith (No. 73), and Jefferson Rojas (No. 100). The possibilities are endless which is important for the White Sox, who are looking to complement their young pitching core with impact bats.
As for the Reds, it makes sense why Cincinnati would be interested but it may be difficult for them to match an offer from the Cubs or any of the other interested teams. Shortstop Edwin Arroyo, ranked 67th overall by MLB Pipeline and third in Cincinnati’s organization, would need to be the headliner in a potential deal. Other names to look out for include Top 100 infielders Sal Stewart and Cam Collier, both of whom are still a few years away from making their debut.
Aside from the two NL Central teams, there have been several other clubs closely linked to Crochet. The four most aggressive entering next week’s Winter Meetings are the Red Sox, Phillies, Dodgers, and Orioles. Most insiders believe that a trade before Opening Day is a foregone conclusion and could happen within the next seven days.
Crochet, 25, missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery and made just 13 appearances in 2023. Finally healthy in 2024, the left-hander completed his first full season as a starter. He quickly established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game, notching All-Star honors after a strong first half in which he led all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts (150), K/9 (12.6), and fWAR (3.9). He finished the season with a 3.58 ERA, 209 strikeouts, 2.69 FIP, and 1.068 WHIP over a career-high 146 innings thrown.
The White Sox currently have Crochet under team control through the 2026 season, with the southpaw estimated to earn just $2.9 million in arbitration this offseason. While some previously wondered about an extension with the White Sox, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on June 30 that the organization had “no optimism” regarding a long-term deal. With that idea firmly in the rearview, the clear path forward is now to trade Crochet at the peak of his value.
While a trade still isn’t considered to be imminent, the White Sox will continue to be at the center of increasing rumors ahead of next week’s Winter Meetings. The annual convention will take place from December 8-12 in Dallas.
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