Unique bargaining chip could bolster Reds' chances in Garrett Crochet trade talks

The Cincinnati Reds are one of several teams who are interested in trading for Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet. The All-Star hurler is said to be available in trade talks, and teams like the Reds, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Baltimore Orioles are all at the forefront of the discussions with the White Sox.

The White Sox are rumored to be targeting position players, and the aforementioned teams all have exactly what Chicago's GM Chris Getz is looking for. As it pertains to the Reds, players like Sal Stewart, Cam Collier, and Sammy Staufra could be part of a return package.

But Cincinnati also possesses a unique bargaining chip that only the Brewers can match. The Reds were just awarded their Competitive Balance pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, which are the only draft picks that can be traded.

Reds' Competitive Balance pick could bolster Cincy's chances in Garrett Crochet trade talks

Unlike the NFL and the NBA, Major League Baseball does not allow teams to trade draft picks. While one could make the argument that doing so would greatly increase the intrigue surrounding the sport, that doesn't appear to be something that MLB is considering anytime soon.

However, a team's comp picks can be part of trade negotiations. The Reds received a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, as did the Brewers, Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins. Round A is slotted in between Rounds 1 and 2 of the MLB Draft. Seven other organizations received an additional draft pick between Rounds 2 and 3.

The Reds have traded a comp pick before. Back in 2019, Cincinnati dealt Shed Long and their comp pick to the New York Yankees in exchange for starter Sonny Gray. The Yankees used the 38th pick in that year's draft to select left-handed pitcher T.J. Sikkema.

If the Reds truly are deep in trade talks with the White Sox, the comp pick could be the leverage that Nick Krall needs in order to put Cincinnati over the top in negotiations. Adding Crochet has been heavily debated among Reds fans since rumors surfaced last week, and while Cincinnati's rotation is quite robust, adding the White Sox southpaw would cement them as one of the best in the NL.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors