The Chicago White Sox are entering the offseason with little hope of competing for a playoff spot in the near future. Following a disastrous 2024 season in which they posted a 41-121 record—the worst in modern Major League Baseball history—the organization finds itself in full rebuild mode. In such a state, the best course of action for the team is to capitalize on the trade value of its top assets, and left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet stands out as their most valuable piece.
Crochet, who earned All-Star honors in 2024, was surprisingly not moved at the trade deadline. However, his stock remains at an all-time high, making it highly likely he will be traded during the offseason. Jorge Castillo of ESPN has identified the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees as the two frontrunners in the race to acquire Crochet.
“Garrett Crochet will get traded to the Yankees or Red Sox,” Castillo stated, emphasizing the likelihood of the All-Star being dealt to one of these two storied franchises. Both Boston and New York possess a wealth of young talent that could entice the White Sox in trade discussions.
For the Yankees, top prospects Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez could be part of a deal to acquire Crochet. Jones, a highly-regarded outfielder, and Dominguez, a promising switch-hitting outfielder known as “The Martian,” are both seen as potential cornerstone players for a rebuilding franchise like the White Sox. Their inclusion in a package would provide Chicago with significant upside as they look to rebuild their roster from the ground up.
The Red Sox, on the other hand, present a different but equally compelling trade scenario. Boston has a crowded situation in right field, with Gold Glove winner Wilyer Abreu occupying the position while the organization seeks to make room for its top prospect, Roman Anthony. Abreu could serve as a centerpiece in a deal for Crochet, allowing Boston to clear space for Anthony while providing the White Sox with a young, proven outfielder.
For Chicago, trading Crochet is likely the most prudent move as they attempt to accelerate their rebuilding process. Both Boston and New York have the assets to offer a substantial return, potentially giving the White Sox a significant boost as they aim to rebuild a competitive roster. Given the high demand for elite pitching, Crochet’s left-handed arm is expected to attract considerable attention, ensuring that the White Sox are one of the more intriguing teams to follow during the upcoming Winter Meetings.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for the White Sox as they navigate their options and determine the best path forward with their All-Star pitcher. A successful trade could provide the foundation for the team’s future success, but a misstep could prolong their time at the bottom of the standings.
