White Sox GM reveals why Reds could be perfect trade destination for Garrett Crochet

Juan Soto may be the biggest fish available on the free agent market this offseason, but Garrett Crochet is unquestionably the hottest name this winter when it comes to potential trade candidates. The Chicago White Sox starter was assumed to be on the move last summer during the South Siders' dreadful 2024 campaign, but contract issues got in the way.

But this offseason, many MLB experts and pundits expect the White Sox to follow through in their quest to get a haul for one of the best young pitchers in baseball. Last season, Crochet was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA and 209 punch outs over 146 innings of work.

During this past week's GM Meetings in San Antonio, White Sox's executive Chris Getz spoke about what it might take to pry Crochet away from Chicago. Interestingly enough, the Cincinnati Reds match up quite well with what the White Sox are looking for in return for Crochet's services.

White Sox GM reveals why Reds could be perfect trade destination for Garrett Crochet

According to Getz, the White Sox are looking for position players as part of the return for Crochet. Well, that would seem to work out quite well for the Reds, wouldn't it? If there's one team throughout Major League Baseball who has more position players (especially infielders) than they know what do with, it's the Reds.

As far as players on the major league roster go, the likes of Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jake Fraley could all be deemed available if Crochet was part of the return. Aside from Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Tyler Stephenson, Reds fans should assume that any other position player on the 40-man roster could be moved in exchange for Crochet.

But the White Sox would probably be looking more toward the future, which is where the Reds' position player-laden farm system could come into play. Young players like Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, Edwin Arroyo, Alfredo Duno, and Sammy Stafura could all be tempting additions to Chicago's pipeline.

Adding Crochet to a rotation that already includes Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott would put Cincinnati's pitching staff in the upper echelon of the National League. The Reds have the resources to meet the White Sox's demands, the question then becomes whether Cincinnati wants to sacrifice their future for the present. Crochet is under team control through 2026, so this is more than just a one-year rental.

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