The Boston Red Sox must make securing a top starting pitcher a priority this offseason if they want to field a competitive roster in 2025.
After a second-half collapse that left their rotation in shambles, the Red Sox are in dire need of a true ace. To get back on track, they should target reliable starters like Blake Snell, Max Fried, or Corbin Burnes.
However, with the starting pitching market expected to be fiercely competitive, Boston might also consider trading for one of the league’s most promising young arms. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Chicago White Sox are in a rebuilding phase, and left-hander Garrett Crochet is likely to be moved.
In 2024, Crochet posted a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, 209 strikeouts, and a solid .222 batting average against in 146 innings for the White Sox. At just 25 years old, Crochet has the potential to be a valuable asset, and he became one of the most sought-after trade targets at this year’s deadline.
While his market value is projected at around $129 million over seven years, Crochet could be a viable alternative if the Red Sox are unable to land one of the top free agents. Acquiring him won’t be cheap, requiring significant prospect capital, so Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will need to carefully consider the team’s future when making this decision.
