The Red Sox needed to add a starting pitcher before the MLB trade deadline, and they did so by acquiring James Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Boston might still be looking to further bolster its rotation, though.
The Red Sox are among the teams that “have shown various levels of interest” in Garrett Crochet, per a report Tuesday morning from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Crochet is one of the best starting pitchers rumored to be available in the lead-up to Tuesday afternoon’s deadline.
Unfortunately for Boston fans, they probably shouldn’t get their hopes up on the idea of Crochet calling Fenway Park home. For starters, Crochet reportedly is commanding a very robust market that includes annual big spenders like the Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies. Legitimate World Series contenders like the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves reportedly are in the mix for Crochet, too.
But the biggest detriment to the Red Sox or any other interested club might be the 25-year-old’s demands. Crochet reportedly will not pitch in October unless he receives a contract extension, but even if he lands a big deal, the 2024 All-Star might not be available in the playoffs. Crochet is up to 114 1/3 innings in his first full big league season, and a pitcher with his ceiling shouldn’t be overextended.
So, a Red Sox blockbuster to acquire Crochet doesn’t seem likely. But there might be another big move on the table that could help Boston improve its staff.
