The New York Mets have lost three key contributors to their 2024 starting rotation, as Jose Quintana, Luis Severino and Sean Manaea have all reached free agency. While filling those spots with other free-agent hurlers could be a solution, so could the trade market. Can president of baseball operations David Stearns find a way to land Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this winter?
Crochet’s name has been churning through the rumor mill for months. Chicago elected to not deal the hurler at the deadline in July. However, general manager Chris Getz seems motivated to ship him out of town before Opening Day.
The 25-year-old was a full-time starting pitcher for the first time in 2024. It resulted in a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings pitched. Spotrac projects his market value for a multi-year deal at six years and $130 million. His current salary is much easier to manage, though. Crochet is projected to earn $2.9 million via arbitration in 2025 and is under team control through 2026.
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 05: A general view of New York Mets hats and gloves in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 5, 2024 in Washington, DC…. WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 05: A general view of New York Mets hats and gloves in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 5, 2024 in Washington, DC.
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This feels like a familiar situation for the White Sox because they were in the same position last winter with starting pitcher Dylan Cease. He was in demand thanks to his past performance and team-friendly contract situation. Chicago waited until February to deal him to the San Diego Padres.
Could Stearns convince the Sox to trade away their ace? On Tuesday’s episode of SNY’s Baseball Night in New York, former Mets general manager Zack Scott shared a five-player trade proposal between both clubs:
– White Sox receive: infielder/outfielder Jett Williams, infielder Ronny Mauricio, infielder Brett Baty and infielder Jesus Baez
According to MLB.com, this hypothetical package includes three of New York’s top 14 prospects. Williams is ranked second, followed by Mauricio at sixth and Baez at 14th. Baty has struggled in the big leagues but also has top prospect pedigree. MLB.com ranked him as the Mets’ second-best prospect in 2023.
Would something like this be enough to make a deal? It’ll depend on Chicago’s opinion of this prospect package, as well as what other interested teams are offering.
More MLB: Mets Land $108 Million Three-Time All-Star Ace in Blockbuster Trade Idea
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