The 2024 season began for the Red Sox with a promising run through their pitching rotation, where each pitcher seemed to perform better than the last. However, as the MLB season came to a close, the rotation’s lack of depth and top-tier talent became apparent, making it difficult for the team to remain competitive, especially with injuries mounting.
Improvements will be necessary in 2025. Better health would significantly help the situation. This year’s expected ace, free-agent addition Lucas Giolito, didn’t pitch at all due to a season-ending elbow injury, but there is optimism about his return next season.
Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford all demonstrated potential, particularly early in 2024, though none emerged as an ace. Garrett Whitlock started off strong with a 1.96 ERA over four games but also suffered an elbow injury and won’t be ready for the start of next season.
Overall, while the rotation made progress, a clear No. 1 pitcher is still lacking. With owner John Henry hesitant to invest in free-agent pitchers, analyst Tim Dierkes from MLB Trade Rumors suggests the Red Sox should consider trading for breakout star Garrett Crochet from the White Sox.
Crochet is just 25 years old and has two more years of arbitration eligibility following this season. He had an unpredictable 2024, bouncing back from a rough start to dominate in May and June, where he made 11 starts, going 5-2 with a 1.49 ERA.
Dierkes noted, “Boston’s 2025 rotation lacks depth and a true ace. I’m not convinced about Houck, who should have an ERA around 4.00 if he maintains his current performance next year. Many teams are in the same boat regarding aces, so my best advice is to trade for Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox have the assets to make that happen.”
Crochet might be more affordable than anticipated. Aside from his two months of excellence, his true performance has been inconsistent—he’s a converted reliever with a history of injuries. After the All-Star break, he struggled, going 0-6 with a 5.12 ERA and a WHIP of 1.397, concerning stats for a pitcher who had a 0.950 WHIP before the break.
It’s uncertain what the White Sox might seek in return for Crochet, who was carefully managed toward the end of the season due to having pitched only 217 innings over the last six years, including college.
Concerns about his injuries are longstanding. After a promising first full season in the bullpen in 2021, Crochet missed all of 2022 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. In 2023, he made just 25 relief appearances as he continued to recover.
Entering 2024, Crochet had pitched a total of 73 innings in the majors without any starts. He showed flashes of brilliance this season, but those performances were inconsistent, and he remains a significant injury risk. When he is eligible for a contract extension, Spotrac estimates he could command a substantial six-year deal worth $128 million.
Trading for Crochet would be a risky move, but given his injury history and inconsistency, it might be a gamble the Red Sox could take.
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