Is there a mystery team involved in the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes?
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, an unidentified club has emerged as a “very aggressive” suitor for the White Sox left-hander. While the Red Sox reportedly still view Crochet as an “attractive option,” the organization has been quiet in trade talks lately as their current focus is on free-agent outfielder Juan Soto.
“Meanwhile, the [Red] Sox have been quiet of late in the trade talks surrounding the Chicago White Sox’ Garrett Crochet, according to an industry source. Another unidentified team has emerged as “very aggressive” with the White Sox in recent days, though it’s believed the Red Sox still view the lefthander as an attractive option.”
This newest update from McAdam comes on the heels of Bob Nightengale’s latest column for USA Today. In it, the MLB insider expanded on the Phillies’ interest in Crochet, going so far as to name Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford as two players who have been discussed as part of what he calls “extensive trade talks” between the two teams.
“They have spoken about Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford in extensive trade talks with the Chicago White Sox for starter Garrett Crochet, but the White Sox are concerned with Bohm’s struggles the second half, posting a .681 OPS with just four home runs.”
Based on other various reports leading up to this point, the Dodgers, Mets, and Orioles join the Phillies and Red Sox as being among the most interested teams. It’s not surprising that Philadelphia and Los Angeles have been closely connected once again after both were engaged in talks up until the final hours of this year’s trade deadline. The White Sox were reportedly close to a deal with at least one of the two clubs for Crochet, but a third piece of the package could never be finalized.
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.
While a possible trade still isn’t believed to be close, the White Sox will continue to be at the center of rumors leading up to this year’s Winter Meetings. The annual convention will take place from December 8-12. As we hear more on Crochet and the unidentified team, we will provide further updates.
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