The Chicago White Sox are likely to trade their star pitcher, Garrett Crochet, before the 2025 season kicks off. With his trade value peaking this offseason, the White Sox are expected to move him, as they likely won’t be able to extend his contract before it expires.
Crochet has been a key asset for the team, but with his contract winding down, the White Sox appear ready to capitalize on his high value rather than risk losing him without compensation. It’s anticipated that the White Sox will wait until after the top free-agent pitchers sign.
This timing strategy hinges on the fact that once the top-tier pitchers—like Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried—find new teams, the available pitching options for other teams will become more limited. This scarcity of quality pitchers will likely drive up the value of Crochet, making him an even more attractive trade target for teams looking to bolster their rotations.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers conducted a poll of 18 MLB executives and insiders, asking them various questions about the offseason’s potential moves. One of the questions specifically inquired about Crochet’s trade destination, asking which team would land him if the White Sox traded him this winter.
The results were telling: five of the 18 experts predicted that the New York Mets would be the team to acquire Crochet, the most votes for any team in the poll. This suggests that the Mets are a leading contender to make a move for the young pitcher.
Furthermore, the same panel of experts predicted that the Mets would sign one of the top three free-agent pitchers—Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, or Max Fried—further indicating that the Mets are looking to aggressively strengthen their rotation.
The Mets’ willingness to spend big on free agents this offseason, including their pursuit of Juan Soto, shows they are committed to making a strong push in the upcoming season. However, acquiring Crochet could provide them with an effective, cost-efficient way to bolster their pitching staff without having to commit to a long-term, high-cost contract like those that would be required for the top free-agent pitchers.
Crochet could serve as both an alternative option if the Mets miss out on their top pitching targets or as a complementary piece alongside a major free-agent addition. With the Mets focusing on improving their roster through strategic moves, Crochet is an appealing option that could make a significant impact.
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