MLB Winter Meetings notes: Why Garrett Crochet trade was necessary first step for Red Sox

by time news usa

The return for Chris Sale in Dec. 2016 was⁤ third baseman Yoán⁢ Moncada, whose career is largely a disappointment; pitcher ⁤Michael Kopech, who also has yet to make an All-Star team; outfielder‌ Luis ⁢Alexander Basabe,⁣ who appeared in only nine major-league ⁢games; and pitcher Victor Diaz, who never reached the majors.

So while the Red Sox and some of‍ their fans might fret that the price for White Sox left-hander garrett Crochet was four of their top 14 prospects,according to MLB ‌Pipeline,what‌ else were the Red Sox going to ⁤do?

After getting burned on nine-figure contracts for Sale and David price,Red Sox owner John henry is reluctant to ⁣award long-term deals to pitchers,according to sources​ briefed on his thinking.‍ Perhaps his hesitancy will extend to an extension for Crochet, who ‌is under club control for two more seasons. But the Red⁣ Sox are so deep in young talent, that they cannot​ possibly fit all of their prospects onto future 26-man⁢ rosters. ⁢So for them, Wednesday’s trade ​for Crochet‌ was‌ a move that made perfect ⁣sense.

Crochet,25,projects⁤ to earn between $10 million and⁤ $15 million in his final​ two years of arbitration,leaving the ⁤Red ⁣Sox ⁣in position for at least one big free-agent splurge. Their focus remains pitching, according to a source briefed on their discussions.

Free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes likely will command⁣ a deal of more ⁣than $200 million, likely moving beyond henry’s comfort level. But free agent ‌left-hander Sean ‍Manaea and righty Jack Flaherty remain available, as does righty Nick Pivetta, who rejected the Sox’s‌ qualifying offer. A trade for Seattle ​Mariners righty Luis Castillo, who is ​owed $68.25 million the next three years, could be another ⁤option. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that the Red Sox, even after adding Crochet, were talking to the Mariners about pitching.

Free-agent ‌third​ baseman Alex Bregman does not seem to be a priority. If the Sox want a third baseman, perhaps they can trade ⁤for the St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado, ​a right-handed hitter who might be⁣ willing⁣ to waive⁣ his no-trade ⁣clause to take aim at the Green Monster and ⁤reunite with his​ former Colorado Rockies teammate, Trevor Story.⁣ Or perhaps they will address their ⁢need by adding ​a right-handed hitting outfielder such as Teoscar Hernández or switch hitter Anthony⁣ Santander.

Crochet was a necessary first step. Now the Red Sox can figure ​out the rest.

And‍ about ⁢the White Sox …

Every ‌trade for prospects is a risk. skepticism about the Red Sox’s “next big things” is warranted. Still, the initial industry response to the White Sox’s four-player haul⁤ for Crochet seemed positive. Certainly more positive than the reaction to their return for Kopech, ‍righty Erick Fedde and outfielder ‍Tommy ⁢Pham in a three-team deal at​ the deadline — outfielder Miguel Vargas‌ and minor-league infielders Jeral Perez and Alexander ‍Albertus.

Catcher Kyle Teel, one of Boston’s “Big Four” prospects, was the headliner. Left-handed hitting catchers do not come ‍along⁣ frequently ‌enough. Teel, 22, routinely draws ‌praise for his‌ makeup and athleticism. ⁣Working with new White Sox bench coach Walker McKinven, who developed a reputation as a catching whisperer with the Milwaukee Brewers, should help Teel refine his game-calling and other defensive skills.

Outfielder Braden Montgomery, the 12th pick in the 2024 draft, is a ‌high-upside play, a switch hitter one evaluator described as a⁢ physical freak. Another evaluator said Montgomery is so

Infielder Chase Meidroth, 23, is ​sort of the opposite‌ of Montgomery, a high-floor player who at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds doesn’t necessarily look the part.One Red Sox official said Meidroth lacks big tools, but⁤ is versatile and ⁤a coach’s dream.‌ Another‌ said, “keep an‍ eye on him.” A third said he might be in the White Sox‌ infield for the next 10 years.

Right-hander Wikelman⁤ Gonzalez, the one pitcher in⁣ the deal, led the minors in strikeout rate in 2023 before regressing in ’24, his age 22 season. If ​everything clicks, he could be⁤ a No. 2 or No. 3 starter. His command issues, though, ⁣might ultimately ‌ticket him ‌for late-inning relief.

Explaining⁢ the Guardians’ thinking

If the Cleveland ‌Guardians’ only trade Tuesday had been the⁤ Andrés Giménez stunner with⁤ the Toronto‌ Blue Jays, it would have looked like little more than a salary dump. ‍Even after the Guardians’ second deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the motivation⁢ to purge Giménez’s remaining $96.5 million⁤ was clear. But onc they flipped first baseman Spencer Horwitz to the ‍pirates for right-hander Luis L. ortiz and two left-handed pitching prospects, the Guardians’ maneuverings made more sense.

Giménez’s salary this season is $10.6 million, but ‌after it rises to $15.6 million and⁢ then $23.6 million in each of the final three years⁢ of his ‍deal. His elite defense at second base alone makes him valuable, but ‌his ⁤OPS+ has declined from 41 percent ⁣above average in his ⁢breakout 2022 season to‌ 4 percent below and 18 ‌percent below the past two years.

The Guardians, according to sources ‍briefed on their thinking,⁢ feared a third straight subpar offensive season by Giménez would‍ leave them unable to ⁢trade him.⁣ Facing their usual payroll limitations, they badly ‌wanted to avoid the downside risk.

club⁤ officials are confident Juan Brito, ⁤the Guardians’ ​no.‌ 8 ⁣prospect according to MLB Pipeline, can handle second short-term. And the path ⁤is clear for Travis Bazzana, the No. ⁤1 pick in last year’s draft,‌ to take over the position, perhaps even ​later this season.

But for Horwitz, the Guardians acquired Ortiz, a rotation candidate who is under club control ⁢for the ⁤next five years,​ as well as minor-league left-handers ⁣Michael Kennedy, a fourth-round pick ​in ’22, and ‍Josh ​Hartle, a​ third-rounder in‌ ’24.⁤ Considering the Guardians’ success in developing pitchers, the trade ultimately might prove a steal.

Or not, depending ⁤upon whether Giménez rebounds offensively, as the Blue Jays expect he will. The ⁤trade reduced the financial pressure on the Guardians,‌ who earlier re-signed‌ free-agent right-hander Shane Bieber to a two-year, $26⁢ million ⁣deal. But, according‍ to sources, ​they​ will ⁣continue to field offers for first baseman​ Josh ‌Naylor (projected $12 million in arbitration) and outfielder Lane Thomas (projected $8.3 million). Both are eligible for free agency at the end of the season.

It’s not certain⁢ the ​Guardians will trade either veteran, but the potential for continued churn is typical of how they operate. Ideally, they would not be trading ⁣players of giménez’s caliber, even if⁣ their contracts ‌are somewhat inflated. But⁣ when the Guardians make such moves, they‌ at least need to create a path to improvement. They accomplished‌ that with⁣ the Pittsburgh trade.

The Rangers, the⁢ only ‌team ‌without certainty about their local TV rights for ⁤next season, also traded three prospects to the ​Miami Marlins for four years of infielder ‌jake ⁣Burger, and still figure to do more work in‍ their bullpen, according to sources‍ briefed on their plans.

Before ‌agreeing with Eovaldi, the Rangers even made a run at free-agent left-hander Max Fried, offering ⁢him a seven-year, ‌$190 million deal, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. ⁢The offer was ⁣backloaded,easing the Rangers’ short-term financial burden,one source said.But the ​lack of state income tax in Texas increased ⁣the contract’s potential value, forcing the New‌ york Yankees to go eight years, $218​ million to land Fried.

The trade for Burger, meanwhile, satisfied the Rangers’ desire to‌ improve an offense that dropped​ to 18th in runs last season after ranking third in 2023, the year the team won its first World ⁣Series. Burger⁤ batted .299 with a .645 slugging percentage against four-seam fastballs last ⁣season. The Rangers’ .233 batting average against four-seamers was ⁤the fourth-lowest in the majors. Their .380 slugging percentage was the ‍third ​lowest.

Burger, 28, came recommended by his former manager in Miami, Skip Schumaker, and bench coach, Luis Urueta. Both joined the Rangers last month,Schumaker as a senior adviser,Urueta as bench coach. Those who no Burger consider‌ him a special person and winning player, and‌ his 63 homers⁣ the past two seasons are​ tied for 15th in the majors.

With⁤ Burger ⁣gone, ⁤outfielder Jesús Sánchez stands as the Marlins’ top returning home-run threat after hitting ⁤18 last season.The only other current Marlin to hit ‍more than 10 was third baseman Jonah Bride, who finished with 11. The⁣ only current Marlin earning more than $6 million is‌ right-hander Sandy Alcantara, whose $17.3 million salary makes him a candidate to be traded at the deadline.

The three prospects the ⁤Marlins acquired — infielder Echedry Vargas, infielder Max Acosta and left-hander⁣ Brayan Mendoza — entered ‍the team’s top⁤ 30 prospects at No. 16, 17, and 29, according to‌ MLB Pipeline. Acosta, 22, is the only one to play above Class A, spending all of last ​season at Double A. Vargas is 19. Mendoza is 20.

And​ finally …

The scouting community is rallying‍ around Jonah Rosenthal,‍ an area scouting supervisor for the Los ‌Angeles Dodgers who suffered a stroke on Dec. 10. Rosenthal (no relation) is 35.

Left-hander Garrett ⁢McDaniels, a non-drafted free agent Rosenthal signed out of Coastal Carolina for $20,000 in 2022, was selected by the Los ‌Angeles⁤ Angels in wednesday’s rule 5 draft.

To support Rosenthal and his family, click here.

(Photo: David Durochik / Diamond Images via Getty Images)

What impact does garrett Crochet’s acquisition have on the Boston Red Sox’s overall pitching strategy?

Interview between Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert

Time.news Editor (TNE): ⁣ Welcome, and thank⁣ you for joining⁣ us today! ‌With the recent​ trades and‌ player movements in Major League Baseball, there’s⁤ so much to unpack. ​Let’s start with the recent acquisition of Garrett Crochet by ⁢the Boston Red Sox. What are your thoughts⁢ on that trade?

Baseball Expert (BE): Thanks‍ for having me!⁢ The Red⁣ Sox’s trade for​ Garrett Crochet is a important move for the team,⁤ considering their current prospect depth. ⁤While the cost—four of their ⁤top 14 prospects—seems steep, it aligns ⁣with ​their urgent need for ‌reliable pitching.⁤ They are coming ⁤off some tough contracts, particularly with Chris Sale and David Price, and their ownership is understandably hesitant about long-term commitments to ⁢pitchers.

TNE: Right, and‌ it ‌truly ‌seems like they’ve learned from the past mistakes.How does ‌Crochet address ‍their current roster dilemmas?

BE: Crochet ​represents a strategic addition. He’s young, and⁤ with‍ club control for two more ⁣seasons, he ‍provides immediate ‍help while fitting into a longer-term plan.He’s projected to⁣ earn​ between $10 million ⁣and $15 million in arbitration, allowing Boston some financial‌ flexibility ⁢to make additional moves—perhaps ‌splurging ⁤on a big free-agent signing or targeting another pitcher.

TNE: ​Speaking of big names, what do​ you ​think the chances are that ⁢they ‍will go after someone like Corbin⁤ Burnes, given his projected $200 million deal?

BE: It’s​ challenging to predict. Burnes⁢ is a front-line starter, ​but I think the⁤ Red‍ Sox⁣ ownership might ‍balk ⁢at the financial commitment. They could be more inclined ⁤to ⁤pursue low ‌to mid-tier cost pitchers like Sean Manaea or trading to acquire⁣ someone like​ Luis Castillo from the Mariners, who would ‍be ⁣a more‌ financially ‌manageable option.

TNE: Now, shifting gears a bit, the White Sox traded‌ Crochet but received ⁢some⁤ promising prospects​ in return. How do you‌ evaluate that return?

BE: The ⁢White Sox actually made a savvy move. They are banking on potential rather than immediate results. Kyle Teel, a standout catcher, has a lot⁣ of ⁣upside—especially ⁢working with⁤ their new bench⁣ coach who’s ‍known for developing catchers. Braden Montgomery adds to ‌their excitement, being a‍ high-upside⁢ switch hitter. While Chase Meidroth may not ⁤be as flashy, he provides versatility and could become ‍a reliable player over time.​

TNE: ‌ The Guardians also made headlines with ‌their trade involving Andrés Giménez. ⁢What’s the perspective there?

BE: the Guardians had a clear vision. They’re managing payroll carefully, and moving Giménez helped eliminate long-term salary risks.He’s talented but hasn’t⁢ produced offensively for two years. They ​are optimistic about their prospects, including Juan Brito and Travis Bazzana, stepping in, which shows they are⁤ positioning themselves for ‍the ‌future while minimizing⁣ backlash⁣ from continued ⁢poor performance.

TNE: That’s an ​interesting strategy,particularly for smaller market teams. How critically‍ important is ‍a proactive approach in this current economic habitat of baseball?

BE: ⁤ Extremely important! Teams need to balance⁢ talent‌ acquisition with financial sustainability. ‍As seen with the Red Sox and Guardians,‍ making calculated trades ensures⁢ a pipeline of talent without​ the burden of exorbitant contracts. The ability to ​adapt and utilize resources wisely can shape the ‌competitive landscape in MLB.

TNE: ⁢ as we conclude, ⁣what should ‌we ‍be looking forward to as the offseason⁣ progresses?

BE: Keep an eye on how thes teams maneuver in free agency⁢ and‌ trades. The landscape can change dramatically based on a few‍ well-timed‌ decisions.‍ It’s an exciting time—predictions are difficult, and surprises are commonplace. But what’s clear‍ is that teams ⁢are redefining‌ their strategies and attitudes​ towards risk ⁤and long-term⁤ planning, which​ will make for a captivating season ​ahead.

TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights! It’s certainly shaping up to be an exciting offseason in ⁢baseball.⁤ we appreciate your expertise.

BE: ⁢My pleasure!‌ Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.

You may also like

Leave a Comment