The hot stove has been heating up as the Winter Meetings approach. There have been few trades, but some pitchers, including some big names, have recently begun finding new homes.
Locally, the rumors have been swirling. However, there has been little action from the Philadelphia Phillies to this point in the offseason. From the sounds of it, the most coveted free agent, Juan Soto will not be donning red pinstripes in 2025.
One name that the club has been tied to on multiple occasions is Chicago White Sox left-handed starter Garrett Crochet. If the organization does opt to strike a deal for the 21-year-old pitcher, they may have to wait until closer to spring training.
The White Sox aren't in a hurry to trade Garrett Crochet so the Phillies need to stay patient
The Phillies' president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, seems to like Crochet. A lot. Last July there were rumors that the Phillies were talking to the White Sox prior to the trade deadline. A deal was closer than anyone reported, however, a trade never materialized when Chicago asked for the organization's No. 2 prospect Andrew Painter in the deal.
This winter, rumors have resurfaced that the Phillies have been in talks with the White Sox front office for the lefty Crochet once again. While no deal has been close to being sealed, the Phillies would be wise to stay in the mix.
The wait time for a potential deal, however, will likely be lengthy. ESPN's Buster Olney reported that Chicago may wait until some big-name free agents sign before dealing their best player.
"As far as the timing of a Crochet trade, executives are pointing out that White Sox GM Chris Getz has demonstrated that he will wait unless he gets a deal he really wants -- as he did with Dylan Cease last offseason, holding onto him until the Padres became aggressive in spring training," Olney writes. "When all the best free agent pitchers come off the board, some executives say, that's when Crochet will become the best option in the market, far and away."
This is a wise move from White Sox general manager Chris Getz. Once pitchers such as Corbin Burnes, Max Fried and Jack Flaherty sign, Crochet's value will only increase given the lack of options available.
Crochet will be a huge upgrade to any rotation in baseball. In his first full season as a starter last year, the 2020 first-round draft pick completed 146 innings and struck out a staggering 209 batters. He did this while finishing the season with a 3.58 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and a 4.1 bWAR. Those numbers were strong enough to get him to his first, of likely many, All-Star Games.
Even if the Phillies have to bide their time, they should continue to monitor the market for Crochet as the winter drags on. They are unlikely to part with Painter and will likely be hesitant to move their top prospect Aidan Miller. However, they do have some interesting pieces that could entice Getz and company to make a deal.
Until then, Phillies fans will be waiting eagerly for some news of any type.