Rumors and speculation surrounding the Boston Red Sox have intensified in recent weeks. Initially on a path that suggested they might sell before the trade deadline, the team’s fortunes have completely turned around over the last six weeks. Now, Boston stands 11 games above .500 and holds a Wild Card spot in the American League.
The Red Sox have been one of baseball’s hottest teams recently and are now within 4 1/2 games of the Baltimore Orioles for the lead in the American League East, with less than two weeks remaining until the trade deadline. It’s evident now that Boston intends to make additions, and there’s been speculation about the team making a significant move, potentially targeting someone like Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet.
Crochet would not only bolster the team immediately but also offer long-term benefits. The young All-Star has had an outstanding season thus far, leading the league in strikeouts and boasting a 3.02 ERA over 20 starts. He has been mentioned as a potential fit for Boston, although MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith believes a blockbuster deal to acquire someone of Crochet’s caliber is “unlikely” for the Red Sox.
Smith noted, “It’s unlikely the Red Sox will trade for a controllable ace like (Detroit Tigers’) Tarik Skubal or White Sox’s Garrett Crochet.” Instead, he suggests they might pursue more attainable options such as veteran pitchers like (Texas Rangers’) Andrew Heaney, Texas’ Nathan Eovaldi, Detroit’s Jack Flaherty, or (Colorado Rockies’) Cal Quantrill.
While Crochet would be a highly desirable addition for Boston, his acquisition cost could prove prohibitive.