The New York Mets are reportedly reconsidering a deal to bring in left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. With a critical need for starting pitching, the Mets have recently joined the list of teams eyeing Crochet, as per insider Jon Heyman from the New York Post. This move could give the Mets a fresh arm as they prepare for the 2025 season, especially with several of their current starters, including Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana, entering free agency.
Although the Mets have the budget for big-name free agents, general manager David Stearns appears focused on leveraging trades to build a balanced roster. Stearns, known for his strategic approach with the Brewers, seems to prefer affordable, high-potential acquisitions like Crochet, who is entering his second year of arbitration with a projected $2.9 million salary. This cost-effective option would allow the Mets to allocate funds toward additional star power, such as outfielders like Juan Soto.
The White Sox, however, are not likely to let Crochet go easily. GM Chris Getz is reportedly seeking position players in return, particularly to strengthen their offense after a disappointing season. This demand places the Mets in a competitive position, given that multiple teams are vying for Crochet’s talent, allowing the White Sox to be selective in their negotiations.
The Mets have a solid farm system, ranked in the top 15 by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, and they could leverage their prospects to meet the White Sox’s demands. Among the potential trade pieces is infielder Brett Baty, who drew interest at the deadline. Other names like Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio could also be considered, though Mauricio’s recovery from a torn ACL may complicate his immediate trade value. The Mets could also consider top-100 prospects Jett Williams, Drew Gilbert, Ryan Clifford, and Carson Benge as part of the package.
To secure Crochet, the Mets may need to offer a combination of these prospects to match the White Sox’s high asking price. However, if another team is willing to part with an elite prospect, the competition for Crochet could intensify.
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