As mentioned in my last piece, 3 Ways Red Sox Can Reach the World Series Next Year, one thing that Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and his staff can do is acquire a bona fide ace to lead the starting rotation. This can be accomplished through free agency or via trade.
"We know we need to raise the ceiling of the rotation. I think there are a lot of ways to do that, but we’re going to be really, really open-minded.Craig Breslow, CBO Boston Red Sox
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According to recent reports, it seems like the Red Sox are interested in acquiring an ace via trade in Chicago White Sox pitcher, Garrett Crochet.
From earlier: Red Sox ‘right in the thick’ of Garrett Crochet trade talks (MLB Notebook) https://t.co/DJzDEGXStC
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) November 8, 2024
While the Red Sox are interested in Crochet, it takes two teams to make a trade, and many teams–deservedly so–are interested in Crochet’s services. What sets the Red Sox apart from other teams, though, is their deep farm system of position players, something White Sox GM Chris Getz is coveting in return.
"We are focusing on position player return. Some organizations’ top talent is much different than others. We have spent a lot of time and resources studying other teams’ farm systems. Garrett had an outstanding year, so as much as other teams are interested, I can also see him making an Opening Day start for us as well."Chris Getz told Audacy’s “670 The Score"
With four hitters landing in Baseball America’s Top 25 prospects (Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kyle Teel, and Kristian Campbell), the Red Sox certainly have the artillery to get a trade done.
Crochet was a hot commodity at the trade deadline last year for good reason. In his first year as a starter, he flashed ace material finishing with a 6-12 record and a 3.58 ERA, while striking out a staggering 209 hitters in only 146 innings. While that record does not sound especially promising, considering the White Sox only had 41 wins as a team, a move to the Red Sox would almost certainly result in an uptick in the wins column.
With Crochet penciled in atop the Red Sox rotation, along with continued growth from Tanner Houck, Bryan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, and last off-season's Free Agency acquisition, Lucas Giolitto, coming back from injury, the Red Sox rotation would be in good shape for a deep postseason run.
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