The MLB Winter Meetings are still on the horizon, but the Cincinnati Reds are already making noise in trade rumors. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Reds are reportedly in the mix to acquire one of the top pitchers available this offseason — Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. The southpaw, who earned an All-Star nod in 2024, could be a major acquisition for the Reds as they look to bolster their rotation ahead of the 2025 season. The Chicago Cubs are also rumored to be interested, making this potential trade one to watch closely.
Garrett Crochet: The Perfect Fit for the Reds’ Rotation
Crochet is coming off a standout season where he posted a 3.58 ERA with a 6-12 record. The numbers don’t tell the full story, though. In just under 150 innings, Crochet struck out 209 batters, placing him among the league leaders in both strikeout rate and walk rate, according to Baseball Savant. His ability to dominate hitters with his fastball and slider makes him one of the most enticing pitchers on the market.
After a rocky 2023 season where he logged just 13 relief appearances, Crochet returned to form in 2024 by making 32 starts. His ability to handle a full workload as a starter has solidified his status as one of the top arms available this winter, especially considering that he has two years of team control left before hitting free agency after the 2026 season. Additionally, Crochet is expected to earn just $2.9 million in arbitration, which makes him an absolute steal for any team looking to add a high-impact starter without breaking the bank.
The Reds’ Rotation: Adding Crochet Would Be a Game-Changer
The Reds have already made moves to improve their pitching staff this offseason. Earlier, they traded Jonathan India and Joey Wiemer to acquire Brady Singer from the Kansas City Royals. Singer, a solid backend starter, is expected to slot in behind Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott in the Reds’ rotation.
However, adding a talent like Crochet would elevate Cincinnati’s pitching staff to another level. With a rotation anchored by Greene and Lodolo, the addition of Crochet would give the Reds one of the most potent starting groups in Major League Baseball. Crochet’s strikeout stuff and high floor would complement the power arms of Greene and Lodolo, making the Reds a serious contender in the National League Central.
What Would It Take for the Reds to Land Crochet?
The fact that Crochet is under team control for two more seasons makes him an even more attractive trade target. For the Reds, this means they could acquire a high-impact pitcher who can contribute immediately and remain under cost-effective control for the next few years. His affordable arbitration salary only sweetens the deal.
However, the Reds would need to part with some significant talent to land the White Sox ace. While Cincinnati has a deep farm system, the White Sox will be looking for a solid return in exchange for one of their top starters. The trade could include a combination of prospects, major-league ready players, or potentially even some of the Reds’ young pitchers, depending on how negotiations unfold.
Health Concerns Put to Rest
There have been lingering concerns about Crochet’s health, particularly after his injury-plagued 2023 season. However, the left-hander put those worries to rest in 2024, proving that he can handle a full workload as a starter. His ability to stay healthy throughout the season — and pitch at a high level — will only increase his value on the trade market.
The Countdown to the Winter Meetings
As the MLB Winter Meetings approach in Dallas next week, all eyes will be on the trade rumors swirling around Crochet. With the Reds in need of a frontline starter and Crochet poised to be one of the biggest names on the move this offseason, this trade could be a game-changer for both teams involved. The Cubs are also rumored to be interested in Crochet, and with the White Sox looking to rebuild, the bidding for the 24-year-old lefty could be fierce.
With Cincinnati already making strides to improve their roster, landing a pitcher of Crochet’s caliber would be a huge win for a team looking to build on their success in 2024 and make a push for the postseason in 2025. Whether the Reds can close the deal remains to be seen, but as the Winter Meetings draw closer, this trade is one that could shake up the offseason landscape.
Stay tuned, because the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes are just beginning.
