Garrett Crochet Trade Rumors Intensify As Winter Meetings Begin

With the Winter Meetings officially beginning this morning, the Garrett Crochet trade rumors continue to intensify. Likely the best and most valuable player available on the trade market, Crochet is coveted by various teams across the league. The sense is now that a Crochet trade is "increasingly possible" at the meetings. It is important to step back and identify who is in the running for the talented left-hander.

Milwaukee Brewers

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported earlier this morning that the Milwaukee Brewers are among the teams still engaged with the White Sox on Crochet. The Brewers have not been a prominent name in the Crochet sweepstakes up to this point, but they do have an interesting group of prospects. They have three top 100 prospects per MLB.com: catcher Jefferson Quero, shortstop Cooper Pratt, and pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. Infielders Jesus Made and Tyler Black could also interest the White Sox. 

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres are another team interested in Crochet's services. The two teams made a big trade last offseason when Dylan Cease was sent to San Diego and could get another deal done. Their farm system is not as strong as in recent years, but they still have two elite prospects: catcher Ethan Salas and infielder Leodalis De Vries. Chicago would undoubtedly ask for at least one of them even though the Padres don't seem inclined to trade either. Crochet to San Diego seems unlikely, but they are at least worth monitoring as a landing spot.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are a logical landing spot for Crochet and have already made an offer. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported yesterday that Philadelphia offered third baseman Alec Bohm and top outfield prospect Justin Crawford for Crochet, which the White Sox "rejected the concept of." The Phillies will likely have to part with their top prospect Aidan Miller to get a deal done. While Chicago rejected their initial offer, Philadelphia remains one of the top suitors for Crochet on paper.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees lost out on Juan Soto to the Mets and could now be motivated to make a big splash elsewhere. They are also believed to be in on Crochet, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Like the Padres, the Yankees' farm system is nowhere near as good as it once was. However, outfield prospects Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones could interest the White Sox.  

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have been a notable team connected to Crochet throughout the offseason. Cotillo reported yesterday morning that Boston is just "on the periphery of talks and are not aggressors at all." However, Morosi reported later that Boston is "more willing" to part with top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer than previously thought. That is a significant development if true. Boston has loads of young position player talent and is one of the best fits for Crochet.

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are also a threat for Crochet per Cotillo. Like the Brewers, they have not been frequently mentioned as part of the process, though they have some good prospects. Pitchers Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder headline their prospect group, with infielders Edwin Arroyo, Sal Stewart, and Cam Collier behind them. While they cannot necessarily offer the quality of prospects as other teams, they have enough quantity to get it done should the White Sox go in that direction.

New York Mets

The New York Mets landed superstar Juan Soto last night and probably aren't done adding. Their rotation could still use improvements, and Crochet is a logical target. They have not been mentioned recently in the Crochet sweepstakes but are still worth monitoring. With top position player prospects like infielder Jett Williams and outfielders Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, they have the ammo to get a deal done.

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are another team in the running for Crochet. They have an immense collection of position player prospects, which the White Sox are looking for. Outfielders Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara and infielder James Triantos are just a few Cubs prospects whom the White Sox could be interested in. The team on the other side of town is worth monitoring in these sweepstakes.

Garrett Crochet Is Highly Coveted

Garrett Crochet is arguably the best pitcher on the trade market this offseason, and the White Sox must act accordingly. They have what everyone wants and cannot settle on a deal. Crochet's return will be pivotal in reshaping the franchise's future. They must hit a grand slam on this trade and should not pull the trigger unless that is the case.