The Boston Red Sox appear poised to go all-in for the 2025 MLB season, and a blockbuster trade could be part of their strategy. The team has made it clear they’re focused on two key areas: acquiring Juan Soto and bolstering their starting rotation. While landing Soto remains a challenging prospect, securing a top-tier pitcher seems well within reach.
The Red Sox have already shown a commitment to investing in younger talent, as evidenced by their extension of Rafael Devers before his age-27 season and their pursuit of 25-year-old Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason. Now, according to recent reports, the team appears ready to take bold action to end their four-year playoff drought.
One name that could solve Boston’s pitching needs is Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. The 25-year-old All-Star is reportedly the top trade target on the market, and the Red Sox have the prospect depth to make a deal happen. Ben Wrixon of The Score recently predicted that Boston would land Crochet in what could be the offseason’s biggest blockbuster move.
“The Red Sox need an ace, but owner John Henry has historically avoided massive contracts for pitchers over 30,” Wrixon noted. “Meanwhile, the rebuilding White Sox are focused on stockpiling prospects. Boston could tap into its highly talented farm system to acquire Crochet and follow up with a long-term extension.”
After injuries limited him earlier in his career, Crochet had an outstanding 2024 season, striking out 209 batters in just 146 innings while posting a 3.58 ERA and an elite 2.69 FIP. At 25 years old, he’s significantly younger than this winter’s top free-agent pitchers, making him an even more attractive target. Spotrac estimates that an extension for Crochet would likely span six years at $130.6 million—a deal comparable to those expected for the best free-agent arms but with much more upside due to his youth.
Though the Red Sox will face competition for Crochet, they have the assets and the motivation to secure him. With their title window opening, Boston has a golden opportunity to make a statement and maximize their potential in 2025.
