Even with Blake Snell out of the equation, there still are multiple ways the Red Sox can improve their starting rotation.
Boston could pony up for one of the remaining free-agent aces like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. And for what it’s worth, the Red Sox reportedly are one of the two finalists for the star southpaw’s services.
But is there a chance Craig Breslow and company take the trade route to landing a frontline starter?
The target in this scenario all but surely would be Garrett Crochet, who reportedly has been made available by the Chicago White Sox. It probably would take a lot to pry Crochet from the Southsiders, but he’s only 25 years old and currently is on a very team-friendly contract.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Sunday shared the latest on the Crochet situation, and the MLB insider revealed the Red Sox are “lurking” in the market. Boston might not be the likeliest potential destination, though, as Nightengale reported the White Sox have had “serious” talks with the Philadelphia Phillies about Crochet, who also is drawing interest from the San Diego Padres.
Of course, the Red Sox’s interest in Crochet potentially could grow or diminish based on other transactions. For instance, if Boston signs Juan Soto, it could turn to Crochet as a way to “complement” the generational outfielder.
Red Sox brass hasn’t shied away from its plan to be aggressive this offseason. In turn, a potential Crochet trade to Boston probably can’t be ruled out at this juncture.
