Bad news, Braves fans: another top pitcher is off the market. The Boston Red Sox are making some serious noise in the trade market. The team is set to bring in left-handed pitching ace Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox.
According to sources talking to ESPN, the Sox are dipping into their rich farm system to pull off this deal. And if you’re a Boston fan, this move might finally give you a reason to feel good about the starting rotation again.
Heading to Chicago are some prime pieces of Boston’s prospect gold: catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and righty Wikelman Gonzalez. These are talented players with a lot of potential, but Boston clearly decided that the time for potential is over. The Red Sox are ready for a sure thing, and Garrett Crochet is as close as it gets.
What makes Crochet such a big deal? After starting his career in the bullpen, Crochet made the leap to the starting rotation last season. He didn’t just succeed, he dominated. We’re talking 146 innings, a whopping 209 strikeouts, and only 33 walks. That’s some serious control, especially when your fastball clocks in at 97 mph. Don’t forget his wicked slider and a new cutter that’s been making hitters’ knees buckle. He looked every bit like a top-tier ace which is exactly what the Red Sox have been desperately seeking.
Let’s be real. The Red Sox haven’t been lighting up the standings lately. They have three last-place finishes in the AL East in five years. But this trade is a signal that Boston isn’t messing around anymore. With Crochet leading a rotation that includes Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, Boston’s pitching staff suddenly has a lot more confidence. And let’s not kid ourselves — if things line up right, Crochet could easily be the Opening Day starter.
The best part about Crochet isn’t just his electric stuff or his ability to rack up strikeouts — it’s his contract. Because he spent his first few years in the bullpen, his salary is still way below what you’d expect for a pitcher of his caliber. We’re talking about $3 million this season. That’s a steal for a potential frontline starter. And the Red Sox will have him under team control through the 2026 season. If you’re looking for value in today’s MLB, that’s what it looks like.
Let’s not forget how this trade came together. Boston was swinging for the fences on some big names — they tried to land outfielder Juan Soto and pitchers Max Fried and Nathan Eovaldi. They didn’t pout or stay quiet when those deals didn’t pan out. They pivoted and locked in on Crochet, arguably the best available starting pitcher left on the market.
This move signals something big: Boston’s front office knows the fanbase is done with mediocrity, and they’re finally making the kind of aggressive moves fans have been waiting for. If you’re a Red Sox supporter, this trade gives you a spark of hope that maybe — just maybe — this team is ready to climb out of the AL East basement.
