The New York Mets have lost three key members of their starting rotation for the 2024 season, with Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and Sean Manaea all becoming free agents. While signing other free-agent pitchers could help fill the void, trading for an arm could be another viable option.
The Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, may look to acquire Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this offseason. Crochet has been a frequent name in trade rumors, though the White Sox opted not to move him at the trade deadline in July. Now, general manager Chris Getz appears keen to trade him before the start of the 2024 season.
Crochet, 25, made his full-time starting debut in 2024, posting a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. Spotrac estimates his market value at $130 million over six years, although his current salary, which is projected to be $2.9 million through arbitration in 2025, makes him much more affordable. Crochet is under team control through 2026.
This situation is reminiscent of the White Sox’s stance with Dylan Cease last offseason, where Chicago held onto their high-value pitcher until February before dealing him to the San Diego Padres. Could Stearns work a deal for Crochet before Spring Training? On a recent episode of *SNY’s Baseball Night in New York*, former Mets general manager Zack Scott presented a five-player trade proposal between the Mets and the White Sox.
– Mets receive: Left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet
– White Sox receive: Infielder/outfielder Jett Williams, infielder Ronny Mauricio, infielder Brett Baty, and infielder Jesus Baez. According to MLB.com, this hypothetical trade package includes three of New York’s top 14 prospects—Williams is ranked second, Mauricio sixth, and Baez 14th.
Baty, though he’s struggled in the majors, still has top-prospect status and was ranked the Mets’ second-best prospect in 2023. Whether this package is enough to finalize a deal will depend on Chicago’s assessment of these prospects, as well as what other teams may be offering.
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