The Red Sox reportedly pulled off a legitimate stunner Wednesday afternoon.
Boston, according to multiple reports, traded four of its top 14 prospects to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Garrett Crochet. Starting pitching was the Red Sox’s biggest need entering the MLB offseason, and the franchise checked the box by reportedly acquiring one of the very best young arms in all of baseball.
While the blockbuster certainly made sense in terms of need and resources involved, it was still surprising since Boston wasn’t generating much buzz on the Crochet front leading up to the trade. In fact, the seismic swap was put together very quickly once negotiations started.
“As of early yesterday (Tuesday), the Red Sox had minimal engagement with the White Sox on Crochet. Source said they amplified engagement today,” The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier posted to X on Wednesday.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale shared a report in line with Speier’s, noting the Red Sox “enhanced their offer” around 10:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday to push the agreement across the finish line.
Did the Red Sox give up a lot to acquire Crochet? Sure. But such a return is standard for a top-level player, and Boston landed one who addressed a need that had been crippling the organization.
