The Boston Red Sox have reportedly acquired left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, per multiple reports including Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe. In return, the Red Sox are sending four highly-touted prospects in catcher Kyle Steel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Crochet, 25, was an All-Star this year after a strong first half. He finished with a 3.58 ERA and 209 strikeouts over 146 innings. After a dominant start on June 30, Crochet held the Colorado Rockies to two runs over seven innings. He recorded 11 strikeouts, lowering his season ERA to 3.02. Following this performance, the White Sox imposed a heavy innings limit on their young pitcher.
He debuted in 2020, posting a 2.82 ERA as a full-time reliever in 54 appearances in 2021. However, he missed all of 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, returning for 13 appearances in 2023.
Red Sox Land Garrett Crochet in Blockbuster Deal
The Red Sox are looking to rebuild their pitching staff and Crochet, one of baseball’s most sought-after starters on the trade market, could be the answer. With a fastball that reaches 97 mph, a high-end slider, and a cutter, Crochet has the skills to be a frontline starter. The Red Sox need a reliable starter, especially after failing to sign top free agents outfielder Juan Soto, left-hander Max Fried and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. They’re looking to bounce back from a tough five-year stretch where they finished last in the American League East three times.
Currently, the Red Sox’s rotation includes Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello. However, adding a talented starter like Crochet could make a significant difference in their rotation.
Due to spending his first four years as a relief pitcher, Crochet’s salary in arbitration is significantly lower than that of a top-tier starting pitcher. This year, he is projected to earn around $3 million and will not become a free agent until after the 2026 season.
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