The 2024 season was a tale of two halves for the Boston Red Sox starting rotation. Early on, the team’s pitching staff was on fire, posting a combined 2.71 ERA in April, the best in Major League Baseball. It seemed like every pitcher was outperforming expectations—Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, and Nick Pivetta all had strong starts. But by September, the rotation was in shambles, with injuries and inconsistent performances plaguing the group. The Red Sox were even forced to give 44-year-old Rich Hill a shot at the mound, a desperate move that underscored just how dire things had become.
By the end of the season, the pitching staff had regressed significantly, finishing with a 4.04 ERA, ranked 17th in the league. It’s clear that for the Red Sox to contend in 2025, they’ll need a healthier, more stable rotation, and they’ll have to focus on both upgrading their frontline talent and adding more depth.
The Need for Reinforcements: Health and Talent Upgrades
One glimmer of hope for Boston’s rotation lies in the return of Lucas Giolito. The free-agent signee was expected to make a significant impact in 2024, but his season was cut short due to an elbow injury before he could even take the mound. The Red Sox are hopeful that Giolito will be ready to contribute in 2025, but even with his return, it’s clear that the rotation needs more. Giolito alone won’t be enough to get the team back to contention.
Boston was already eyeing the top arms available on the free-agent market—Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Corbin Burnes—but they’ve already missed out on one big target. Snell has signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Yusei Kikuchi, a potential backup option, is heading to the Los Angeles Angels. With their top free-agent targets off the table, the Red Sox may need to pivot and explore the trade market, and there’s one pitcher in particular that stands out: Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox.
Garrett Crochet: The Red Sox’s Potential Trade Target
As the offseason rolls on, the Red Sox have emerged as a potential trade partner for the White Sox. The consensus from several insiders is that a deal for Crochet could be in the works. Sean McAdam, a veteran Red Sox beat reporter at MassLive, mentioned that the Sox had shown interest in Crochet at the trade deadline, but complications arose when the pitcher made it clear that he wouldn’t pitch in the postseason without a contract extension. That situation has since cleared up, making him a viable target this winter.
Crochet, still just 25 years old, could provide the Red Sox with the elite talent they need to strengthen the top of their rotation. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, writing for The Athletic, proposed a potential trade package involving some of Boston’s top young talent, including Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, and catcher Connor Wong. This could be enough to land Crochet, who still has two years of arbitration eligibility left, making him an attractive option for Boston as they look to shore up their rotation.
Bowden suggested that the Red Sox could replace Abreu with outfield prospect Roman Anthony, Wong with Kyle Teel at catcher, and even move Rafael Devers to first base while pursuing either Alex Bregman or Willy Adames in free agency to replace some of the lost production.
Is Garrett Crochet a Risky Gamble?
As intriguing as Crochet is, he represents a bit of a gamble. His 2024 season was full of ups and downs. After struggling early in the year, Crochet found his rhythm in May and June, delivering a dominant stretch with a 1.49 ERA over 11 starts. However, his post-All-Star break performance raised some concerns. Over the second half of the season, Crochet went 0-6 with a 5.12 ERA and a WHIP of 1.397, a far cry from his first-half numbers. These struggles may suggest that Crochet’s early dominance was an outlier, or perhaps a sign that he’s not yet fully settled in as a reliable starting option.
Additionally, Crochet’s injury history is a red flag. A converted reliever, he’s dealt with health issues throughout his career, which adds an element of risk to any potential trade. The Red Sox would have to weigh the potential upside of acquiring a young, talented arm against the possibility that his injuries could resurface, derailing his effectiveness once again.
The Bottom Line: A Trade That Makes Sense?
Despite the risks, the Red Sox are in a position where they need to make a move to bolster their pitching staff. If they truly want to contend in 2025, they need both talent and depth in their rotation. Garrett Crochet, with his high upside and relatively affordable contract, could be a key piece of the puzzle. But the price could be steep, as the White Sox are sure to demand a strong return for the 25-year-old starter.
Ultimately, if the Red Sox want to build a strong rotation for next season, it’s clear that they may have to go the trade route. With the top free-agent arms already off the market, Garrett Crochet could be the best option left to help lead Boston back to contention. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether the Sox are willing to make the necessary deal to get him.
