Repping some new Sox! Red Sox land Crochet from White Sox. How could this affect 2025 and beyond?

 

                Photo Credit :(USATSI)
As you likely know, the Red Sox recently acquired left-handed ace Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for four prospects. The players sent to Chicago were catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, utility infielder Chase Meidroth, and pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez—all of whom rank among the top 25 prospects in the Red Sox minor league system. Giving up four prospects is a hefty price, but trading for a lefty ace from the White Sox has worked before, as seen in the Chris Sale trade.

Considering the current market for starting pitchers, where Blake Snell and Max Fried secured massive contracts from the Yankees and Dodgers, it's clear that ownership is hesitant to commit to another large deal. Ken Rosenthal reported that owner John Henry feels burned by the contracts given to David Price and Chris Sale. This reluctance to spend big on aging starters makes the Crochet trade particularly intriguing. Crochet is under team control for the 2025 and 2026 seasons at a relatively low cost, and he’ll hit free agency at just 27 years old. Given the current market for elite pitchers, it’s not far-fetched to think Crochet could command a $300 million contract or more.

So, is this trade a win for the Red Sox? The short answer: maybe. If the team can extend Crochet—reports suggest he’s open to an extension with a new team—this deal could be a big win. However, if Boston fails to secure a long-term deal, the trade’s value diminishes. Still, acquiring an ace requires giving up significant assets, and prospects are inherently uncertain.

Impact on the 2025 Season and Beyond

As of now, the Red Sox have made two key additions: Crochet and reliever Aroldis Chapman. With Crochet atop the rotation, Boston finally has a true ace, something they lacked last year. While Tanner Houck performed well in the first half of 2024, he doesn’t have the ceiling Crochet offers. The rotation already looks stronger on paper, and this improvement could translate to more wins on the field.

In 2024, the Red Sox scored 751 runs, ranking ninth in the majors, which highlighted the need to prioritize pitching this offseason. Adding Crochet not only bolsters the rotation but provides a solid foundation for success in 2025. The offense remains a powerhouse and should support Crochet with plenty of run support.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Crochet is under contract through 2026, but the long-term outlook hinges on whether the Red Sox can secure an extension. By 2026, potential stars like Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell could emerge, joining established players like Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran. However, if the Red Sox fail to extend Crochet, they may face a difficult decision: trade him at the deadline or risk losing him in free agency. Trading him would be a painful move, especially given the significant prospect haul surrendered to acquire him.

An extension is crucial for the team’s long-term success. If they can lock Crochet in for the future, Boston could position itself as a championship contender. While 2025 should see improvement and potentially a playoff berth, 2026 and beyond will be pivotal years. The combination of young talent and a cornerstone ace like Crochet could return the Red Sox to championship form.

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