The Cincinnati Reds had a rough 2024 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, in the American League, the Chicago White Sox set a record for the most losses in AL/NL history. As the White Sox begin a rebuild, Garrett Crochet has emerged as a key trade target this offseason. With a strong farm system and a need for pitching, the Reds have shown interest.
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Reds are considered serious contenders in the race for Crochet.
“The Red Sox remain on the outskirts of the Garrett Crochet talks and are not aggressive at this point. Cincinnati is seen as a real contender to land Crochet, while the Yankees are also believed to be involved,” Cotillo reported.
The Yankees, in search of starting pitching this offseason, have also shown interest in Crochet. They held an extensive meeting with Max Fried and remain heavily involved in discussions. However, Crochet doesn’t necessarily have to land in a big market. The 26-year-old lefty, with two years of team control remaining, is set to become a free agent in 2026.
For the Reds, making moves like this would be a significant step toward rewarding their young core. With ownership reluctant to spend big in free agency, trades become critical for improvement. Adding Crochet could complement Cincinnati’s promising stars, such as Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, and help take the team to the next level.
The Reds have the prospect capital to trade for Garrett Crochet
Although the Reds had a disappointing 2024 season, their future looks promising. However, their strong core is heavily concentrated in the infield, creating a logjam. Prospects like Edwin Arroyo and Sal Stewart are currently blocked by stars Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marté. These top-tier prospects could serve as the foundation for a trade package.
With an abundance of infield talent, the Reds might consider targeting another White Sox player. Luis Robert Jr., a premier center fielder when healthy, could be on the move this offseason. However, given Cincinnati’s struggles with player durability, they may be hesitant to pursue Robert, who has faced his own injury challenges.
The Reds have already addressed their starting rotation by trading infielder Jonathan India to the Royals for Brady Singer. Adding prospects to acquire Garrett Crochet from the White Sox would represent another significant investment in the rotation.
Despite the team’s struggles, Hunter Greene delivered an outstanding 2024 season. Pairing him with experienced pitchers like Crochet and Singer could accelerate his development. This trade would allow the Reds to strengthen their rotation without dismantling their core.
Be the first to comment