The Boston Red Sox weren’t expected to be major players in the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes—at least, not according to the Chicago White Sox. During the Winter Meetings, White Sox GM Chris Getz had essentially ruled Boston out, believing they lacked the urgency to make a serious push.
But everything changed in an instant.
As reported by Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, Boston’s front office stunned everyone by re-entering the race late, adding a key player to their offer at the last moment, and completely upending trade discussions. The unexpected move forced Chicago to reconsider, leading to a deal that sent one of the market’s most sought-after arms to Fenway.
For weeks, multiple teams aggressively pursued Crochet, a high-upside lefty with dominant strikeout ability and a bargain $3.8 million salary. While Boston had shown interest, they weren’t seen as frontrunners. The Dodgers, Cardinals, and Orioles were viewed as more serious contenders, and with the Red Sox’s recent history of hesitation in blockbuster trades, few expected them to make a decisive move.
Even Getz had seemingly counted them out. Negotiations had stalled, and other teams were showing more determination. But then came the twist—Boston, perhaps recognizing they were about to miss out on another frontline arm, sweetened their offer with a crucial addition. That was enough to change Chicago’s stance, and within hours, the deal was sealed.
For the Red Sox, this move signifies more than just adding a talented pitcher—it’s a statement. After years of cautious spending and measured approaches, they finally took an aggressive swing, outmaneuvering their competition in the process. The message to the rest of the league? Boston isn’t just talking about contending; they’re proving it.
Garrett Crochet: The Market’s Most Coveted Arm
Crochet wasn’t just another trade piece—he was the top prize. With an elite mix of velocity, strikeout ability, and affordability, the 25-year-old lefty had transformed from a dominant reliever into a legitimate frontline starter. His high-90s fastball, devastating slider, and ability to handle a starter’s workload made him one of the most valuable pitchers available in a thin market.
Adding to his appeal was his contract. With a $3.8 million salary for 2025 and multiple years of team control, Crochet offered frontline potential at a fraction of the cost of top free agents. While other teams weighed expensive, long-term commitments to aging pitchers, Crochet presented an opportunity for both immediate impact and future value—a perfect fit for contenders seeking an ace without breaking the bank.
By outmaneuvering their rivals and forcing the White Sox into an unexpected change of course, the Red Sox have signaled they are done playing it safe. Now, the real question is: Will this move be enough to push Boston back into serious contention, or is another major addition still needed?
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