Garrett Crochet is the most obvious trade candidate of the 2024-25 offseason, and multiple clubs have already been linked to the White Sox left-hander both in recent days and dating back to last summer’s trade deadline. The Mets are a new club to emerge in the hunt, as the New York Post’s Jon Heyman (hat tip to the Post’s Matt Ehalt) reports that the Amazins are also involved in talks about Crochet’s availability.
The fit is obvious, as the Mets are in clear need of starting pitching with Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana all entering free agency. While New York has the spending power to pursue the top names on the free agent market, upgrading the rotation solely through big-ticket signings isn’t really the M.O. of president of baseball operations David Stearns, who has had a lot of success on the trade front during his time with the Brewers.
Crochet is entering his second year of arbitration and is projected for only a $2.9MM salary in 2025, making him immensely affordable for his final two years of team control. While Crochet’s salary isn’t as much of an issue for the Mets as it would be for smaller-market clubs, filling a big hole in the rotation at a fairly minimal cost would allow New York to spend bigger elsewhere, whether on more pitching or on its pursuit of Juan Soto.
Of course, acquiring Crochet comes with a different kind of price tag, as the White Sox are naturally looking to score a huge return. Landing a key building block or two in a Crochet deal is critical to Chicago’s rebuilding plans, as Crochet is the franchise’s top current trade asset, in the wake of Luis Robert’s disappointing 2024 season. With so many suitors in the running, the White Sox can afford to be a little picky in determining which trade package is the best fit for their needs.
To this end, GM Chris Getz has been rather open about his specific demands for Crochet, as Getz recently stated that the White Sox “are focusing on position player return….We certainly need to improve our offense.” As Ehalt notes, the Mets view a strong minor league pipeline as the backbone of their plan for perpetual contention, and the organization was wary about moving prospects even before Stearns was hired last year.
Back in August, Baseball America ranked the Mets’ farm system as the tenth-best in the sport, with MLB Pipeline putting the Amazins not far behind in the No. 13 position in their own ranking. While other teams might have more to offer the White Sox in terms of sheer prospect quality and depth, New York isn’t short on interesting potential trade chips, particularly on the position-player side. Former top prospect Brett Baty might be at the top of that list, as while Baty has yet to do much in his brief MLB career, plenty of clubs were checking in on his services at the deadline.
Luisangel Acuna and Ronny Mauricio are other notables who have made it to the majors, though Mauricio didn’t play in 2024 due to a torn ACL. Looking at Mets position players who have yet to reach the Show, Jett Williams, Drew Gilbert, Ryan Clifford, and Carson Benge are all ranked within Pipeline’s current league-wide top 100 list. It stands to reason that the Mets would need to offer at least two of these players just to get Chicago’s attention in the Crochet market, though another club that offers a true blue-chipper of an elite prospect might have the edge.
letsgooakland123
With all these teams in on Garrett Crochet, it sounds like he’s going to need a bigger glove just to catch all the offers flying his way.
tuck 2
The offers are to the White Sox until he’s a FA
Blackpink in the area
I would be very surprised if the Mets traded for Crochet. They have money to buy a top end guy. They don’t really need a lefty when other teams do and I don’t think they want to trade prospects.
Joggin’George
The buzz seems to be that they are now super in it to win. That means free agents AND a willingness to trade prospects.
But who really knows?
Al Hirschen
I seriously could see McNeil or Nemo go to Chicago with two other kids. Nemo can be a big fish in an empty pond.
Joggin’George
I think Nimmo is the heart of the team. He’s not going anywhere.
avenger65
Whatever players are chronically injured, have an ERA north of 6 and can’t hit their weight, there is a Sox uniform waiting for you.
davidk1979
They’re not taking on a big contract lmao
Al Hirschen
Flipping
metsin4
You I bet the Whitesox would add over 100 mil to their future payrolls.
vtadave
You think the White Sox would have one iota of interest in McNeil’s declining bat and the $31.5 million he’s owed through 2026, much less paying Nimmo $20.5 million per year through his age-37 season?
Derek Gracy
McNeil, Batty, Kevin Parada. Maybe one other like a Nimmo.
avenger65
vtadave: I don’t think they pay Ohtani that kind of money.
Derek Gracy
So what you’re saying is they want position players and prospects AND not pay for said position players. Nimmo is a good players for that money. Can’t argue McNeil BUT he is a good players, he is one year out of a batting title.
Joggin’George
He’d be good for the Chisox only if the Mets pay the salary
Derek Gracy
Cohen is not afraid to pay to get rid of players.
Joggin’George
McNeil is a wild card.
Will he rebound? Is he in decline? Can he return to his peak? Will he and Lindor argue about rodents?
Joggin’George
Absolutely I could see Cohen paying McNeil after trading him. Just saying that’s what would make it worth it for the Chisox
stymeedone
The White Sox won’t want anyone with less than 5 years of control.j
twilkerson
I agree, Nimmo isn’t going anywhere. I like McNeil, but wouldn’t kill me to see him in a trade package. We a spot open for Mauricio anyway
deweybelongsinthehall
Exactly. The way the Mets could realistically make a deal is to bring in a third team that has prospects to offer Chicago and a bad contract to dump on the Mets. Baty’s value is low and I don’t see them trading Acuna who might start at second next season. Underwater contracts are not what the White Sox are looking for.
deweybelongsinthehall
Derek, see my other post. White Sox want MLB ready players who have cheap control. Add in that Baty might be the next Bobby Dalbec and there is no chance a deal like that happens. Other teams will offer so much more.
geofft
@ Derek Gracy McNeil is now two years removed from that batting title, and a look at his last 4 seasons strongly suggests that year was an outlier, not a norm. Also consider that he won that batting title by hitting away from the overshift, which is no longer legal in baseball.
Mal W.
The Red Sox can offer a Gold-Glove RF (Abreu) and a 2B (Hamilton) who stole 33 bases last year. Both as rookies with five years of control. And more if need be.
Haven’s seen anything here from the Mets that comes close.
metsin4
One of their top 50 prospects alone are worth more then those two.
deweybelongsinthehall
Metsin4, lol. Every team has at least a few real top prospects and it will take perhaps a Money Romero to be added but the Sox have too many good or better prospects right now that they have to make some moves by the next Rule V draft. The Mets if they want him could start with Vientos or Acuna but absent either of those two, they don’t line up directly with Chicago. Thus my suggestion of a third team for prospects to offer Chicago and salaries to dump on the Mets.
Blackpink in the area
The Mets have the talent to get a deal done i just doubt they want to pull the trigger. Williams, Mauricio, Baty and something else is about right. Some of the Mets fans here are a bit delusional about what their guys are worth.
JoeBrady
vtadave
You think the White Sox would have one iota of interest
====================
Theoretically, anyone could be traded if you pick up all their salary. But if the Mets were to do so, they’d be better off trading them to a contender, eating all the salary, getting a prospect to trade to the WS.
metsin4
Vientos isn’t getting traded. Let’s be serious. I didn’t say the Red Sox don’t have prospects to offer. I’m saying their top prospects are more valuable then the two rookies mentioned.
Kevin Michael Farrell
First off, It’s Nimmo, not Nemo (Although in your defense, it was probably autocorrect that changed that on you), but Nimmo is going nowhere. For starters, he makes too much money for The White Sox to take on, and they are looking for ready prospects, not 30plus year old guys with millions due them in the coming seasons. Secondly, Nimmo IS The Mets! You lose Nimmo, and you lose the team chemistry.
McNiel , while I like him, he is expendable, but again, Chicago is not taking on his salary.
I would dangle Baty out there, and I still think Baty is going to be a successful major leaguer wherever he lands.
The rest of the prospects should pretty much all be available if they can get a major league proven starter like Crochet outside of Acuna, Gilbert, or Williams. And I would have to think hard before giving away Parada, as even though Alvarez has been somewhat acceptable, he is still young and Parada is still a valuable option if Alvarez doesn’t pan out.
Kevin Michael Farrell
Thanks for the laugh!
joe_roc
The White Sox would not be interested in taking on Nimmo’s salary, they are rebuilding with a young core, not a 30 year old that makes $20+M per year for the next 7 seasons
Bill M
I think most people on here have said that the Mets would have to pay most of Nimmo’s salary but don’t worry because it’s not happening anyway.
imissjoebuzas
Derek, if Crochet’s moving over to the Mets the Sox could ask for a MLB ready pitcher to travel back, and that could be Tylor Megill along with the other position player prospects. Unless they believe in one of Tidwell, Vasil or Hamel instead. I believe Sproat is not available.
It would be odd to see the Mets with a starting staff of 3 lefties: Peterson, Crochet and Manaea, unless Crochet is the backup plan for not resigning Manaea.
ChiSox_Fan
White Sox payroll expected to be around $70 MIL for 2025.
Blue Baron
Blackpink: They don’t really need a lefty? What team doesn’t need a lefty?
Blackpink in the area
Some teams have no lefty starters. The Mets are not one of those teams. The Orioles and Red Sox for example specifically need a top end lefty starter. The Mets just need a top end starter.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
The Mariners have been all right-handed for awhile now. Teams don’t really focus on handedness anymore as long as who they have are quality.
Blackpink in the area
The Mariners haven’t had any postseason success. Ever.
A playoff team wants to have 1 lefty starter in their playoff rotation of 2 or 4 guys. Is it required? No not really but that should be the plan.
Blue Baron
Peterson is their only lefty at the moment. There’s nothing wrong with having more than one lefty, and they’re not going to turn anyone down because he’s a lefty.
I remember a Mets’ team in the 1970s that had Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, and Mickey Lolich in the rotation behind Tom Seaver.
Blackpink in the area
They wouldn’t turn down another lefty. But the need isn’t there like it is for some teams. And again I simply don’t think the Mets want to trade prospects i think they would rather spend money.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
I’m just saying your thinking is out of date. Teams don’t care about what handedness their starters happen to be. As long as the guys are quality strike throwers, plus spin rates, etc. Dodgers, Yankees didn’t have any left handed starters in the postseason. Yanks had Cortes for awhile during the season, Dodgers had Kershaw for a blip.
Blackpink in the area
Well both the Dodgers and Yankees rotations were a mess come playoff time. And the Yankees had Rodon. My thinking is not our of date a lefty starter gives teams a different look.
letitbelowenstein
Red Sox had a top end lefty starter. They traded him for a sub-.200 hitting utility infielder.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
I think it’s more strange to have an all-righty bullpen. With how short the starters go nowadays, I think pens should have at least two lefties to negate the platoon advantage. I liked Vesia and Banda in the Dodgers pen. Tim Hill had some moments outta the Yanks pen. (I don’t know how the Yankees resurrect these scrap heap guys, the M’s are also good at it but even we couldn’t fix Luke Weaver.)
rct
“They wouldn’t turn down another lefty. But the need isn’t there like it is for some teams.”
They only have one lefty in the rotation right now. So their “need” for one is pretty much the same as anyone else’s.
deweybelongsinthehall
what a trade that was Lolich for Rusty, legrange orange.
Blue Baron
dewey: Not among their best, especially when you consider that they traded Ken Singleton for Staub four years earlier.
padam
Peterson is the only lefty they have as a potential SP.
Blackpink in the area
I would say Manaea is a potential lefty for them.
They don’t have the same need for a lefty starter that Baltimore and Boston have. And again I don’t think the Mets want to trade prospects i think they are simply going to spend and spend a lot.
phenomenalajs
The Mets gave him a QO and would love to keep him, but I think he’ll be looking for more years than the Mets will be offering.
Gwynning
This just in- the Mets decline to trade for Crochet after finding out he’s lefthanded. Solid take Blackpink! You’re wrong, but you’ll never admit it. Lol
Blackpink in the area
The team who ends up trading for Crochet will be the team who wants and needs him most. I dont think that will be the Mets. I think it will be the Orioles or Red Sox.
Wait and see. Then you can admit you were wrong.
avenger65
The Red Sox would be great. Gio, Crochet and Hendriks all Sox together again.
B Thomas
The orioles seem to enjoy getting swept out of the playoffs every year. They could’ve had Cease last year but refused to pay up. This year it will be crochet they won’t pay for…
Blue Baron
What an astonishingly dumb statement. No team enjoys losing at any time.
Dumpster Divin Theo
And then their window closes
rotofool
I think you may underestimate Crochet’s ceiling. Handedness matters little, he has exceptional stuff that can dominate all batters. At all stages of his big league career, which started immediately after the draft, his 100+ power arm was abused, especially in the playoffs by TLR. That cost him three years essentially instead of grooming him from the get go as a starter.
After recovering from TJ, he’s already past Carlos Rodon ever was imo, and a bargain around $20Myr for the new deal he wants. I could understand others doubt, but I see him as the best available arm other than Roki Sasski. A team getting both would have the best young pair of pitchers in the majors in ‘25.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
I don’t know about that… crochet is a big if… i would rather have Corbin burnes or max fried
However crochet is basically just Chris sale but 50 pounds heavier and a harder thrower crochet is a lot like Tarik skubal
pohle
no idea why i thought you were saying you wanted patrick corbin, then corbin burnes, then fried. anyways, i would rather win a bidding war with my money than my players if i were the mets and had near $200 mil coming off the books. baty is the most expendable met, but they should keep all of their other minor league pieces and you can argue for them to keep baty too. i dont think they will be inactive on the trade market but stearns likely wont break his prospect bank when he has so much money to work with.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
I think Corbin is finally a FA after somehow surviving that entire contract
Maybe he can get 1% of what burnes gets
DanzigInTheDark
Mets only have 3 SPs for next year’s rotation and only one is a lefty (Peterson.) Add in the fact that Crochet doesn’t have huge splits (.642 OPS vs RHB, .612 vs LHB) and there’s no strong reason why I don’t think the Mets would at least be asking about him.
Is it possible the cost is too much and they pass? Of course – but they’re not gonna shy away just for fear of having two lefty starters.
Blackpink in the area
AS I HAVE SAID REPEATEDLY I DONT THINK THE METS WANT TO TRADE PROSPECTS. I KEEP SAYING THAT AND PEOPLE KEEP IGNORING IT.
Blue Baron
Blackpink: SHOUTING about it won’t help get your point across.
metsin4
Good for you. When Stearns says he wants to trade we believe him.
thebirds
This is going to be another one of those annoying “Mets all in” offseason, eh?
Just stop.
Joggin’George
Why stop? Things are different now that Cohen is in charge.
Pickle_Britches
Lolz
Blue Baron
thebirds: Why do you find this annoying?
thebirds
Because it never works. Its insanity.
Blue Baron
It worked pretty well this year.
thebirds
No they just got hot. That team should have solidified a playoff birth by the trade deadline with that payroll. They shouldn’t have to get hot by the playoffs. They are not supposed to be “ the Cinderella story”. The Dodgers just bought another title. The Mets are trying but getting the “best I can do is a teaser in the playoffs” treatment.
Blue Baron
They got hot in June and stayed hot for 2/3s of the season.
What are you suggesting, that they just give up and not try to win?
That’s pretty dumb.
Kevin Michael Farrell
You litterally just said “The Dodgers just bought another title” in argument for
“thebirds
23 hours ago
This is going to be another one of those annoying “Mets all in” offseason, eh?
Just stop.”
And
“thebirds
19 hours ago
Because it never works. Its insanity.”
Pads Fans
dodgers went all in. Spent over $1 billion in one offseason. They won the WS.
Pads Fans
They got hot means it worked.
Blue Baron
thebirds has no idea what he means or any of this means.
Joggin’George
They just got hot? That’s how it works sometimes. I’m not a fan of the spending equals winning formula but in this case it worked.
There’s no denying that it worked.
hiflew
The ironic thing is they did much better in the year that they were supposed to restructure following the trades of Scherzer and Verlander.. I wonder if there is a lesson in there.
metsin4
They won 101 games when they brought Scherzer in. Is that the lesson.
Joggin’George
They won 101 games with Scherzer, then did well by smartly trading him so they could continue their success
iron
Thinking Baty, Butto and 2 lower level prospects.
Ma4170
Would take more… something like Jett, Baty, and a high upside guy like Baez… not sure the mets would do it though
Dubbs
Jett’s not going anywhere
vtadave
Then Crochet isn’t a Met.
deweybelongsinthehall
Laughing at including McNeil and Nimmo in any trade. Only way that works directly with Chicago is if they have also include Benny as a salary dump. White Sox will get what they want from some team: multiple ready or near ready MLB every day players with 4+ years of control who seem to have at least starter ceilings (one of which minimum has star potential). Such eliminates McNeil and Nimmo absent a third team – they might take McNeil to then trade or waive if the Mets took on Benni as mentioned earlier). Baty? He has so much less value today than last year that he can’t be even near the centerpiece of a trade. He certainly could be included but think about it. For the Sox to trade their stud starter, wouldn’t they ask for Baty’s replacement, Vientos? No one is mentioning him and he might be untouchable but that’s what they will ask for.
Ma4170
Mets aren’t trading Nimmo, idk why people are even proposing it. He only makes sense on a team trying to win now, like the Mets. He’s shown he’s a top 30 MLB player by most measures, and not sure why people can’t grasp that. One down second half this past season isn’t going to erase that.
JackStrawb
Hardly, friend. Crochet has had all of one year of more than 55 MLB innings pitched. His ERA+ in 2024 was 115, That’s an Andy Pettitte year, hardly a Kershaw or Scherzer season.
He also has just two years of control remaining, making him projectable to something like two 3 WAR seasons.
That’s a very nice pitcher to have, but it’s still a #2 caliber starter with real durability issues—just one season anywhere of more than 65 innings.
The idea that you’d get multiple MLB-ready position players is nutty. Vientos straight up is the position player equivalent, IF Vientos had just 2 years of team control remaining, perhaps 3 if you put a very high premium on a pitcher who might help you in the postseason
JackStrawb
Not to mention it’s trading low. If Nimmo expects to be reasonably health next season, why even think of it, particularly when the Mets currently have, let me count…. NO other starting OFers?
tgallagher
That offer would get you hung up on. Baty is a bust, and the White Sox want position players.
Joggin’George
Yea, Baty doesn’t have much value
avenger65
Joggin’George: Sounds just like a player Getz likes to collect.
Joggin’George
Avenger: well, as a lottery ticket Baty has value.
Just don’t pay much for him.
hiflew
He is a little more than a lottery ticket. He still has SOME prospect value, but not nearly as much as two years ago. I think he has one more shot before he becomes the dreaded “change of scenery guy” and then the next step down would be journeyman/DFA fodder. But Baty still has probably a couple years before that happens. It would be smart of the Mets to sell now even if he is not at peak value.
He is not going to be the “top guy” in a trade for a Crochet type. But he could be a solid second or third guy in a deal like that.
Derek Gracy
Batty, Nimmo, Parada, McNeil. Nimmo and McNeil are your position players.IF the Mets sign Adames, McNeil is expendable. Parada isn’t going anyway in the Mets organization. Batty is really the flier and Nimmo can replaced by Soto (dream big, screw it) Overpaying but Crochet is still pretty cheap for the next 2 years.
fathead0507
I see Mets fans have turned into Yankees about their busted prospects.. Baty sucks.. he’s Clint Frazier of Yankee lore
Derek Gracy
I didn’t say Batty was a great player. They would still be getting 2 very good players, 2 MiL in the top 10 of Mets minors, which they have a top 20 rank in all of baseball.
kje76
No. Just no.
This is one of the worst parts of offseason rumors. The team with a payroll of about five rolls of quarters and change from the sofas is not going to sudden trade their cost-controlled stud young pitcher for the Mets’ accumulation of older players. They want cost-controlled top-shelf prospects.
Please no more “your star for my leftovers” trade proposals.
Blue Baron
Derek Gracy: *BATY. The White Sox won’t want Nimmo’s contract, and the Mets only one guy named McNeil, not two.
Bill M
Right. That’s why he mentioned him in 2 different sentences.
quade
The White Sox are 4 years away from competing, why in the world would they take back major league players in a trade? With all the teams vying for Crochet, a starting conversation is 1 maybe 2 of a team’s top 5-10 prospects. Then probably a couple more in the top 30.
Inside Out
One of the weakest offers ever. No one wants Baty including the Mets. Need to include Jett and Sproat just to get it started
metsin4
Yes that’s just being ridiculous. Your not getting two top 50 prospects and others for him.
Joggin’George
Iron, that trade would be a steal for the Mets
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
For one time could somebody please break the stereotype and NOT offer your own team’s scrap heap players for the other team’s talented star.
Joggin’George
Good point, ISoab, Here are players I don’t want on my team, now you give me some players I do want from your team.
Yea, not how it works.
avenger65
Joggin’: That’s EXACTLY how things work with Getz. Look at the trades he’s made so far. Look at the trade that got the LAD Kopech and the Cards Fedde and Pham All we got back was Miguel Vargas, who could barely hit 1.50 and played atrocious 3b. The players Getz announced as our third baseman of the future. More crap like that incoming when he trades Crochet for a couple of rookie league players.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Like 80s sports talk radio, meatball on line 2
Biggavelli
I can stomach that! But ive heard a package of vientos and acuna and some other players.. now thats a joke.. vientos alvarez nor acuña going anywhere.. baty mauricio tidwell mcneil marte butto they can all get traded for better pitching.. imo
Joggin’George
I agree with your list except that I’d be reluctant to trade Mauricio. They need all the win now players they can get.
Blue Baron
Joggin’George: Marte for Arenado? Who says no?
Joggin’George
Heh, well the Mets say no. At least Marte comes off the books.
Ma4170
I’d give up acuna in a second for crochet… i dont think acuna will be a high impact MLB player
YaGottaBelieveAgain
If am the NYM I am not in a hurry to trade Baty OR Butto with a limited idea of what they can do in the majors. I realize Baty underwhelmed and he might not have a position IF Vientos stays at 3B or they bring someone else in 3B from outside the organization and Vientos moves to 1B
Lefty SP have an extra value IMHO. Crochet has only had 1 good year to go by. I don’t blame him for Palesox woeful offense so losses isn’t really a good indication of his future results. I think he could bring back a similar package like they got for Cease. 3 or 4 Top prospects
In the short term the NYM currently have some redundacy in terms of young players to play 3B, 2B. Some prospects future may be in OF instead of an Infielder. Possibly Mauricio at least part time as a LF or RF.
If any NYM AA or AAA OFs make good progress they could be brought up by Memorial Day. probably a longshot that they make the team out of spring training but you want to give them a chance (Have a roster spot available etc.)
Before the Soto sweepstakes gets decided teams that show the initiative could bring in impactful complementary position players and bullpen pieces.
For example the NY have Francisco Alvarez and Kevin Parada (whose best position is supposed to be C) but if not traded the position could change similar to Mauricio. Too many SS. Lindors got it covered for the next 9 years or so.
LGM!!! In Stearns WE Trust!
Joggin’George
True, in that you’re selling low on Baty
nyr2k2
As a Mets fan, I was unimpressed with most of their prospects last season. I don’t want to sell the farm but I’d definitely be willing to move a lot of these guys.
Camikey
A lot of Mets prospects had lost seasons but injuries played a big part in that. I’d hold Sproat and Jett but aside from that I would be OK with parting with three good young players for Crochet. Something like Baty, Acuna, and Morabito would be a highly competitive offer, I would think. If it takes more than that, pass.
Jdt8312
baseball-reference.com/players/c/crochga01.shtml
You’d really be willing to give away 3 prospects for this? I wouldn’t do that. Crochet is a risk.
hiflew
I agree. I still think Crochet is barely more than a prospect. He has had one decent year. He has 219 career innings pitched and right now I would definitely take the under on him ever getting to 1000. He has a Tyler Glasnow feel to him.
Jdt8312
219 career innings….over 5 seasons.
hiflew
Exactly my point.
JackStrawb
True, but he’s throwing three fringy prospects at the White Sox, hoping they’ll blink.
Crochet just put up a season that’s likely to be better than any one season any of those three players put up.
Baty probably won’t succeed. Acuna’s luck aside in his first 20 PA in MLB, he has yet to play even one adequate season in the upper minors, while Morabito’s going to be just a corner guy, and he’s in A ball making no one’s top anything list.
If you can get a pitcher like Crochet for those three, you take the deal and laugh all the way home.
Joggin’George
The prospects look good, except Baty. But they have enough prospect depth to trade from.
Camikey
I think Baty may have more value that most fans think. He’s cheap with many years of control with a good glove at third and enough flexibility to play some second base, too. The bat hasn’t looked great at the major league level yet but he hasn’t had quite enough opportunity to say he can’t hit big league pitching. If he turns out to be a 110 OPS+ kind of guy, which is entirely feasible, the rest of his attributes makes him a decent contributor..
Joggin’George
“IF” being the important word. Right now he’s turning 25, with a 70 OPS+ in 602 MLB PA’s.
Not good. Not good for a guy who already profiles to be bat-first.
He needs to build back value, he has very little now.
Camikey
We’re probably gonna find out just how much value he has. I’m pretty sure the Mets are going to re-sign Alonso, and if so, there really won’t be much room for Baty and he’s almost certain to get dealt for pitching… if not Crochet, I could see him going to Milwaukee as part of the return for Devin Williams.
Joggin’George
I can definitely see him being traded, but in a deal for someone like Williams he’s not going to be a main piece.
Sure he could be turn out to be a decent hitter, but it’s a low chance at this point.
Camikey
Williams is a reliever with only one year of control. He’s not bringing back a haul… Baty plus a decent pitching prospect like a Jack Wenninger should be enough.
Joggin’George
Wenniger better be pretty good because Baty is a thrown in lotto ticket at this point.
Williams may have only one year of control but he’s top tier.
Camikey
Well, let’s agree to disagree, my friend… you could very well be right. I think there’s a decent chance that Baty ends up getting dealt somewhere in the coming weeks so we’ll know then how the market judged him.
metsin4
Judge was 25 when he made his major league debut. He will be a good MLB player.
Ma4170
The thing is, Baty has big value as a lottery ticket i bet w other GMs. He’s achieved more success in the minors than most team’s top prospects, and was a top 20 himself. His current value is lower, but guys like vientos and ramos have shown not everyone succeeds right away. He cant be a headliner, but hes a very high quality lottery ticket. I keep thinking jett baty and one of their high upside 50+ like baez would do it. Who knows.. i never thought just ortiz and hall would bring back even just one year of burnes.
YaGottaBelieveAgain
I’m sure StL wished they had been more patient and judged the potential of Randy Arozarena before trading him to the TB Rays
The Cardinals have a lot of company with other teams who traded a prospect before he really blossomed somewhere else. All the data in the world can’t always predict a solid contributor.
Some players take more time before things kind of c”click” and the figure out how pitchers are trying to get them out based on a scouting report.
Joggin’George
Part of the Baty problem is that he projects to be a good, not great hitter without a position.
Even if he reaches his “potential”, still kinda meh.
rct
If you look at raw stats, you could come away with this impression. But let’s dig deeper:
Sproat – top 50 prospect, may even be higher because he came sort of out of nowhere last year and rose way up the ranks
Jett Williams – missed most of the season with injury, but shot up the lists last year. He’s a stud and may be ready this season (I would personally keep him in AAA though unless he really breaks out)
Drew Gilbert – struggled a bit at a new level and missed half the season with an injury. But improved as the season went on. Slashed .238/.333/.475/.808 over the last month of the season, which is better than his .201/.301/.343/.644 the first five months at AAA. I’m optimistic.
Ryan Clifford – played very well as a 20 year old at AA. Slashed .231/.359/.457/.815 in almost 100 games at AA, including a .284/.404/.495/.899 over the last month plus (28 games).
Benge – just drafted but played well enough in only 15 games in A (.857 OPS). Experts seem to love him.
Acuna – had a down year, but the speed was there and he looked comfortable in the majors. Not sure what to think about him as I don’t know what benefit keeping him in AAA would do.
Mauricio – missed the year
Parada – seemingly took a big step back last year, but he had injuries and I think he was promoted too quickly. Hopefully they keep him in AA
Tidwell – great at AA, struggled mightily in AAA with a handful of solid starts
I could go on but there’s plenty of good prospects in the upper levels of the minors for the Mets.
Lindor's Bodyguard
Baez is a much better prospect than Parada.
rct
I’m not ranking the prospects. I’m just talking about their “highly touted” ones in the upper levels (AA and up) and responding to the OP who wasn’t impressed with them last season. I only mentioned Benge because they acquired him last season and there’s a ton of hype around him right now.
geofft
@rct In what way was Parada promoted too quickly? He spent all of 2024 at the same level he’d finished in 2023. Even if you want to suggest he was promoted to AA too quickly in ’23 (and I would agree with that), he’s had more than a year to adjust, and he hasn’t. I’m not nearly as concerned with what his final numbers were. Just that the y were stagnant all year long, with no real signs of him getting better except for a could of two-week hot streaks here and there.
all in the suit that you wear
Crochet wanted an extension before pitching in the playoffs last season. Sounds like he is worried about blowing out his arm. Buyer beware.
Metsies
Most of that was from him blowing past his innings (12ip in 2023 to 146ip in 2024) from the previous season. If a contender grabbed him now he’s pitching late in the regular season with high stress and potentially in to mid to late October. Honestly I don’t blame him.
all in the suit that you wear
Agreed, but you can see what looks like an inverted W in his mechanics in the picture in this article. That indicates a high stress delivery.
Joggin’George
Buyer beware on EVERY pitcher
johncoltrane
dont trade acuna or mauricio. i’d even keep benge off limits
trade whitesox baty, clifford, gilbert for crochet and luis robert
Dubbs
No thanks
Kelly Wunsch N' Munch
Delusional much?
rct
I’d rather keep Clifford or Gilbert over Mauricio and maybe even Acuna.
johncoltrane
@rct
Both mauricio & acuna looked legit in their brief appearance in the majors. And they’re younger & more athletic. But pls let me know why you’d rather keep clifford & gilbert . They had a rough season in the minors. Took huge step backwards. Jett also had a disastrous year but he’s only 20 & seems like a bounceback candidate next yr
rct
I’d keep Clifford and Gilbert because I think they’re better players. Clifford’s numbers bear that out and I think over time, Gilbert’s will as well.
Clifford – I don’t know why you think Clifford had a “rough season” last year. He slashed .231/.359/.457/.815 in almost 100 games at AA as a 20 year old, including a .284/.404/.495/.899 over the last month plus (28 games).
Gilbert – improved as the season went on after dealing with injuries early in the season. Slashed .238/.333/.475/.808 over the last month of the season, which is better than his .201/.301/.343/.644 the first five months at AAA.
Mauricio – had a 78 OPS+ in a small sample size (108 PAs) in the majors. I would not say that he looked “legit” aside from a few displays of power. He’s also coming off of an ACL tear. Still could turn out great, but he slid out of everyone’s top 100 prospects lists prior to getting hurt.
Acuna – struggled pretty badly the entire AAA season. He had the worst season out of Clifford, Gilbert, and Acuna. I’m not about to ignore that because of 14 games in the majors. He also walked only once in 40 PAs in MLB. As soon as MLB pitchers figure out that he swings at everything (as AAA pitchers apparently did), it’s not going to be pretty.
johncoltrane
You’ve done alot of research and i respect that. But Clifford hit .228 in 2024 and was on pace for over 200 strikeouts over a full season. nearly every stat went down from 2023. His runs, hr, rbi, sb, avg, obp, slg, ops, tb. so yeah, ROUGH. same with gilbert. he was banged up alot. then hit .205 when healthy. he had 18 xbh in 62 games. if thats not the definition of taking a step back i dont know what is. they are young. and could very well bounce back in 2025. but if the opportunity arose and whitesox wanted these 2 for crochet or robert, mets should not think twice. acuna struck out 6 times in 14 games. speed demon in the minors and displayed some pop in the majors. he may turn out great or he may disappoint, but i wouldnt even consider moving him. mauricio tore his acl. that sucks. but he had back to back 20-20 seasons in the minors before being promoted. you dont wanna ignore acuna’s less than stellar minor lg season but you’re ok essentially putting aside what clifford and gilbert did. i hope they all do well but in my opinion acuna & mauricio have displayed alot more potential.
FarmCatArmy
Stop using SLASHED use dRibBleD for hitting 230
Ma4170
Not getting both crochet and Robert for that package… maybe crochet but i actually wouldnt give up all three from the mets perspective
metsin4
Who wants Robert? I big part of the worst team in baseball history. Let’s get good players and not ones that are just available.
Ma4170
I dont want robert either
JackStrawb
The love for Acuna, who has failed so far in two tries in the Mets’ upper minors, is inexplicable. He had 15 great PA in 4 games in the majors—SSS, anyone?— then for the rest of the year incl the postseason put up a line about .190/225/425.
His peak is almost certainly occasional backup MI. Peak. He’s on no one’s list as a 50-50 bet to be a competent regular and there’s a reason he won’t be on anyone’s top 100 list going into 2025.
Ma4170
Completely agree… I don’t understand Met fans’ obsession with Acuna when he hasn’t shown much and his highest upside might be Jean Segura?
JackStrawb
@Ma4170 Has to be the power of first impressions, compadre. He came up, was the brightest of bright lights for four games, looked comfortable, and the narrative instantly became “forget that he hasn’t hit for 2 years, some guys just need the bright lights, to shine.”
Jdt8312
I don’t get what the attraction is? He has 219 total career innings. 146 of those innings were last season, while he was on a limited innings regiment, in his second year of rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a huge risk. I’m not sure how deep I go for him, if I go at all. If he proves something, I’d rather pay more in prospects, and be sure of his health.
Blackpink in the area
He only has 2 years of control and he’s not going to get a ton in arbitration. The only huge risk is the prospects traded away to get him.
Jdt8312
And his health. It took him 2 years to fully, and I use that term loosely, back from Tommy John Surgery. He was on limited innings last year, and that was his only full year, if you can call it that, as a starter. I wonder how many people have really checked his career stats. It’s really not pretty. I think people like him because they’ve heard his name bandied about in trade rumors since last deadline, and he has good potential, and stuff. But that’s all it is, potential. I would want to see more from him, and gladly pay more for more assurance of health. Otherwise you’re just sending players to the White Sox for damaged goods.
AgentF
He’s not just coming back from TJ surgery, though. He’s also coming back from the Sox misusing him in the bullpen to risk a future frontline starter just to fill a temporary need in the bullpen. Had they stretched him out like they should have, or even let him develop by coming up through the minors, which they did not do, he’d be well above the limits he had to face this past season. Dude has ace potential and could honestly be a steal despite the high prospect price teams will have to pay to pry him away from one of, if not the worst prospect development organizations in baseball.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Misusing him in the bullpen? He made 32 starts last season but was on an innings limit. Try to keep up
AgentF
He played zero games in the minors before the Sox rushed him into a bullpen role and then kept him there despite his potential as the guy we saw last year. Yes, they misused him to start his career and sent him down a path he never should have been on. Try to keep up yourself.
Dumpster Divin Theo
They rushed him to the bullpen because they wanted to use his big arm against the As in the playoffs. And then the Sox picked up Lance Lynn. Was he supposed to immediately leapfrog Cease, Rodon, Lynn, Giolito or Keuchel who made 145 starts as a second year player on a 93 win club? Especially when the team also had Lopez and Kopech competing for starts on a stacked rotation? Which other rushed prospect also started out in the bullpen? Chris Sale. That worked out pretty nicely. Keep on keeping on.
Dumpster Divin Theo
How was he supposed to play in the minors in his rookie season, which was literally months after he was initially drafted? Is this a bit? Or are you, as Andy Dufresne would say, being obtuse?
JackStrawb
@Jdt8312 It might just be this: Crochet’s 2024 rate stats compares favorably not just with Blake Snell’s career averages, but with Snell’s last Cy Young season.
Crochet had 209 K in 146 IP, or 12. 9 K per 9 in 2024 That’s a higher K rate than any of Blake Snell’s 9 seasons, even the abbreviated seasons, and Crochet does it with much better control.
Below is Crochet’s 2024, then Blake Snell’s 2023 Cy Young Season; the third row is Snell’s career line:
Pitcher: K/9..BB/9,.HR/9, H/9..WHIP..FIP
Crochet 12.9, 2.0, 1.1, ….7.6, ….1.068…….2.69
Snell …….11.7, .5.0…0.8…..5.8……1.189………3.44
Snell,crr.11.2…4.1…0.9…..6.9……1.127………..3.35
Crochet’s 2024 also wouldn’t look out of place tucked into the first six seasons of deGrom’s career. 35 fewer innings but better K rate, better K/BB rate, better FIP, very similar WHIP. Crochet’s 2024 was just as good as deGrom’s ROY year in 2014.
I see the yellow flag (there’s only one, really), but Crochet is a very rare pitcher.
mets1977
Mets can just spend money on Manena 3/63 possibly with an option than give up all of the prospects. What really is the difference between the two beside age, both have a great year last season.
Joggin’George
For some reason, analytics seems to love Crochet
JackStrawb
If you think Manaea and Crochet are virtually the same pitcher, please compare Crochet’s 2024 and FIP with DeGrom’s ROY season in 2014. They’re extremely similar.
mrmet5
No don’t trade for this one but go hard after Roki and bring back Menaea and Sevy. Senga, Menaea, Sev, Peterson and until Roki is ready Megill/Butto. Whoa I think Stearns need me to be his GM
Camikey
Sasaki isn’t coming to the Mets. Almost all of their international money is earmarked for Elian Pena. I guess in the case of Sasaki there’s not a lot of difference between $7 million and $1 million in terms of the signing bonus, since the real money for him will come with his second contract. The real issue, however is that he clearly wants to play for the Dodgers. I’ll be shocked if he ends up anywhere else.
JackStrawb
@Camikey For a pitcher who has never pitched more than 119 innings and whose arm may not survive the 6+ years until FA, and probably doesn’t have another profession to fall back on, the difference between 1m and 7m is huge,
I wonder how close the Dodgers (or others ) can get to the line of what’s permissible. Can they guarantee endorsement income, can they effectively guarantee that 5 minutes after Sasaki signs, he can ink an endorsement deal at a minimum of 5m a year for 6 years—how far can they go?
avenger65
MrMet: Five will get you ten, Sasaki will be wearing Dodgers blue next season.
rct
I think Roki is a pipe dream. He’s a near-lock for the Dodgers.
YaGottaBelieveAgain
I like Manaea and Sevy in more of a short term basis. No doubt hey will get raises off 2024 results. I think Manaea will try to get 4 years and Sevy will ask for 3 years.
Both may get a nice total sum of $ but might have to accept 1 year less (duration) with a guaranteed option of decent money (say 8M) to accept or decline (players option)
Teams may want to hedge their risk against poor results and /or injuries including TJS which is usually 1.5 of NO productivity for team)
stevetampa
I think Dombrowski has an itch for Crochet. Aidan Miller and this year’s 1st rd pick (Dante Nori) would be a competitive offer
Lindor's Bodyguard
I think Dombrowski wants Crochet and Robert. Perhaps Benintendi in the deal too, if DD can dump Taijuan Walker in the deal.
YaGottaBelieveAgain
I think PHI main problem is the odd mix of their offense, defensive issues and bullpen. The could use some players with speed and defense in their outfield Too many HR hitters
Try to trade at least one of Schwarber or Castellanos
I wouldn’t trade any of Bohm, Stott or Marsh, maybe 1?
Nola, Wheeler are still in their prime years but getting older
Realmuto is still solid but could use some more days off as C really wears on the body.- maybe see if he can play some 1B. (15 games?)
It would help PHI if Harper could be say 45% OF, 45% 1B and 10% DH in terms of games
bwmiller79
209K to 33BB in just over 140IP, pretty solid with two years of team control and a 800k salary in 2025. As much as the Mets seem to have money to spend they like all teams like to save money too and your probably looking at a savings close to 40M on a SP of Crochet’s ilk over two seasons should you be seeking a replacement level player in FA, that will require some nice prospects, can likely sign him to a team friendly extension too, if you think he can keep up his current level of production. I don’t like his delivery much, that said, great season under his belt, worth trading for no doubt about it.
stevetampa
Yes, the prospect capital going in the other direction will be substantial.
Jdt8312
Crochet only has 219 innings, total, in his career. That is a huge red flag. Crochet is 2 years into his Tommy John rehab, with his limited innings last year…another red flag. He’s a huge risk along with the 2 years of control. If his arm fails, you paid a huge price in prospects for absolutely nothing.
ohyeadam
Guy has half a good season and expects an extension…
JackStrawb
Crochet is worth it. SEE Compare his 2024 with Jacob deGrom’s ROY season. Ignore the bad White Sox defense and compare their FIPs.
Jdt8312
Crochet is not worth it. He and deGrom are not the same person, and even if they were, see deGrom’s injury history. Crochet hasn’t pitched even one full season as a starter. I’m not giving up a ton of high level prospects in the chance he may stay healthy after rehabbing TJ surgery for 2 years. It’s not a good Decision. If he comes on the cheap, which he won’t, then you go after him. The price is everything. And the price is reportedly very high right now.
JackStrawb
@Jdt8312
“He and deGrom are not the same person,…”
—Are you honestly incapable of understanding that’s in no way what I wrote?
Wow.
Enough.
Jdt8312
Did DeGrom rehab Tommy John surgery in his rookie season? This isn’t Crochet’s rookie season. He has 5 years in MLB. He’s been rehabbing Tommy John surgery for 2 years. He has so much confidence in his health that he demanded a contract extension if he was traded to a contender, and was expected to pitch in the post season. Hard pass.
Logistics Guy
I seen Soto & Corbin B signing with The team on West Coast and no It not the Dodgers.
With there new TV money that Arte M got the two players list above with be added with the trade and new long term deal for Garrett Crochet. Go HALO
YankeesBleacherCreature
Unless Arte offers Burnes 1/$75M, he’s not signing bc the Angels are allergic to multi-year SP contracts.
Dodgerfan74
Your dreaming Angels of Anaheim fan
JackStrawb
Yup. At some point the money can’t matter all that much. Say you’re Soto, the Dodgers (who aren’t signing him, btw, but let’s pretend) offer 15/630m and the Angels offer 15/675m.
Is that 3m a year on top of 42m a year really going to make up for finishing 4th of 5 teams in the West, most years? Maybe it matters to Soto (who knows with anybody), but that’s a lot of slogging and boredom for a 7% salary increase when you’re already filthy rich.
Jdt8312
It matters when you’ll be working and living in a state with the highest tax rates in the country, and goes after wealth with a vengeance. That’s why Ohtani has so much deferred money, so he doesn’t have to pay CA taxes on it. A contract for the same monetary value in CA, or NY, has less actual value to the recipient than a contract in TX, or FL, who have no state income tax. It’s also the reason why MLB will never have a salary cap. We don’t like to talk about that advantage most smaller markets have. But they have that advantage.
Doug
Too bad the Mets don’t have much in their minor league system to match up in a deal.
Joggin’George
The Mets minor league system is stacked
Lindor's Bodyguard
Ignorance is epidemic.
JackStrawb
It’s the veritable plague that will wipe out the human race. Seriously.
Carry on.
Mlutz
I think only way mets would do this is if it’s for Robert too.
They have the prospects to do it.
metsin4
No one wants Robert.
JackStrawb
Yeah, who needs a 5.0 WAR OFer as recently as 2023?
Lindor's Bodyguard
No way would I deal controlled assets for 2 years of not sure what you get from Crochet who has a long injury history and minimal big league success.
Pickle_Britches
The Mets lol they are buns
Joggin’George
You proud of that comment?
Skyrider123
As bad as the White Sox are if the Mets wanted Crochet, I’d want Baty, Mauricio, Acuna plus others in return
JackStrawb
“Plus others” is carrying a lot of weight there, because those three are table scraps in the larger scheme, with none of them anywhere near 50-50 to turn into a competent MLB regular.
A deal for Crochet (assuming an extension as well, as I don’t think you trade solid prospects for just two years of the player) is going to hurt. Something like Jett and Drew Gilbert, the Mets #2 and #3 prospects, both top 100 in MLB, probably gets it done.
I doubt just one FV50 position player and two more prospects with weak resumes, like two of Mauricio, Acuna, and Baty get you anywhere.
Mikenmn
I don’t agree with the idea that money means appreciably less to the Mets in circumstances like this. The Mets are paying a huge CBT tax. Who would provide his 4+ WAR on the FA market and what contract would that guy command? Now, multiply that cost by 110%. Or, you can shop downmarket
YankeesBleacherCreature
Cohen is worth $21B+. The 110% overage tax is literally chump change to him. He does not need to run the Mets with financial responsibility if he doesn’t want to. The only problem is taking heat from the other team owners.
bmann300
This sounds and looks like the Cease thing all over. Don’t want to pay the price- everyone else wants him- so the stupid Sox get rid of him – instead of building around him. Can’t image how tough it would have been with Cease as #1 and Crochet as #2 – with Smith and Schultz in the wings. No continue on the cheap White Sox.
Blackpink in the area
Cease and Crochet would be free agents by the time Smith and Schultz are ready.
Samuel
bmann300;
LOL
They can’t build around Crochet.
That team just lost more games than any MLB team in a century. Crochet is a FA in 2 years. You actually think that organization can build a competitive / contending team in 2 years? Crochet isn’t going to sign with them.
He gone.
Pammy
Baty, Parada, and most of the infielders at the top of the Mets minor league system can’t make it to the majors with the Mets with Vientos and Lindor having the left side solidified for years and Alvarez at catcher.
But rather than Crochet, how about trading some of these guys to the Rangers to get deGrom? Texas would pick up most of the contract, which is not doing their budget any favors. The Mets would get back the best pitcher in the game (when healthy) at a low price point. Yea, I know he’s had injuries. But after his 2nd TJ, he should be good for a few years and he’d be back in NY where he belongs.
AgentF
I love this idea and thought I was the only one genuinely thinking it would be a good move for them. It’s a long shot, but if the Rangers are out of contention by the summer and his body is holding up, why not give this a try? He’s got a huge contract, too, which could only make him more obtainable for the Mets.
JackStrawb
@Pammy The Mets farm is nothing special, so if they’re going to make trades from it they have to get it right. An iffy old pitcher who may never pass 50 innings in a season when they’re probably four solid starters short of a rotation is begging for trouble.
DeGrom is much more a Dodgers-type candidate, a team that has a postseason slot all but locked up, but who can greatly benefit towards winning another World Series by adding a pitcher good enough to help them win postseason series.
With all their losses to FA, the Mets—a very old team—aren’t even projectable as an 80 win team for 2025. They might not even be a 75-win team as of today, having lost 3 180 ip starters, their starting 1Bman, and a lot of odds and ends. They need good, durable arms badly. That’s not deGrom, unfortunately.
King Floch
Crochet is a super affordable ace, which definitely makes sense for a team that may be handing out the second biggest contract ever in the near future.
cubfanforever
Cubs should be all over this. Cubs have 8 guys in the top 100. The only one off limits should be Shaw. Sox want position players, Cubs need a rotation piece. The perfect scenario for a crosstown trade. Doesn’t happen often but this one makes sense.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Sure, call them
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Honestly, why would Shaw be off limits? He’s forced to play out of position, where his lesser arm isn’t doing him or the team any favors. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great prospect, but he’s not Dylan Crews or Jackson Holliday level.
But I’ve been thinking the same thing about the Cubs. Either Shaw or Caissie (White Sox desperately need a RF who can hit) make a lot of sense to me. And if the Cubs disagree with you on Shaw, he could slot in as the regular 2B. Meanwhile, Cubbies get their ace who *wants* to sign an extension and Chicago fans still get to watch Crochet a bunch.
Dumpster Divin Theo
These clubs should trade a lot. Sox have had a history of developing pitching, Cubs position players. Plus with the exception of the Santo and Sammy deal, the Sox rob the Cubs blind.
Acoss1331
Quintana was a good pitcher, but at the time of valuing the deal, Cubs gave up a lot for him. Cease and Eloy were top prospects, and the White Sox fleeced the Cubs with two blue chip prospects. But I agree these two clubs should be trading more often.
Paleobros
I didn’t read the article but that sounds good. Or not?
Paleobros
Good looks that seems like maybe a good idea
Yanks4life22
32 starts 146 IP
There are only so many roster spots. SP’s have to rediscover how to pitch and figure out how to go deep into games.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
That’s because he was coming off TJS *and* getting used to a starter’s workload. After the trade deadline, they limited him to 4IP/start.
Overall, I agree to your point about wanting starters to pitch longer, but that’s the team’s call more than their own. With Crochet specifically, though, he won’t be on an innings limit next year. I could see him eclipsing 180, which isn’t the 220+ I saw sometimes growing up, but it’s a lot better than many pitchers.
Dumpster Divin Theo
That actually worked really well. They wanted to make sure he made it thorough the year, so instead of skipping starts or doing crazy stuff like having him go to the pen which would upset his rhythm, they had him start on regular rest. Made all of his starts and maintained his consistency and velocity throughout. Have to realize this was a record high for him in IP at any level. That’s why his value should be through the stratosphere if healthy. Very little historical wear while pitching at an elite level. I believe even at Tennessee he was never leaned on or abused like say a Ben McDonald.
Fred McGriff HR
The White Sox are not going to be asking for McNeil or Nimmo, what are people on?
They’re rebuilding, they want young talent=LuisAngel Acuna is an example of the type of player they’d want….They don’t want retreads that only have a few miles left in them..
hyraxwithaflamethrower
This. Maybe they take a player who’s had one year of MLB service time, but I can’t see them taking on a headliner with less time remaining. Maybe as a filler, they take a reliever with a couple years left or something.
Indianfan
The Mets are interested in virtually everybody. Hope we don’t have to endure a full blown Mets fan story on all of them.
Camikey
I’m a Mets fan but I will say I agree with you, Indianfan. The Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees, along with one or two others, control the market with their ridiculous resources. Most of the teams around the league can’t compete, although on occasion a smaller market team can break through and win a championship. But for fans in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and lots of other places, the margin of error is minuscule because they just can’t outspend their mistakes. Even as a Mets fan, I would support a salary cap… but the union will never let it happen.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
I think the Sox should target Williams or Gilbert as the headliner. Williams has the better eye and is faster, but Gilbert has a better arm and a little more power. Either works, but I have a slight preference for Gilbert based on what I’ve read (namely, that he’s a super-high energy player, which I always respect).. Also, with the Sox probably keeping Robert and still believing in Montgomery, Jett would have an uphill climb to playing time at his two positions while RF is open.
Hard pass on Baty. He’s been in the major for parts of three seasons now, and hasn’t really shown anything. Mauricio would be ok, but I’d ideally want someone with a better hit tool than he has. Acuna might work, but the rest of the package would have to be solid. He’s nowhere near enough for Crochet on his own. Sox have enough guys who expand the zone only to make weak contact.
mookiesboy
Acuna, Baty, Marte or McNeil (plus the cash to pay all thier salary) and a 8-12 rank minor league pitcher
mlbnyyfan
The Mets should have gone all in to get him at the deadline. They may have actually got to the WS with him and won it.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Baty hasn’t shown anything in parts of three seasons, Marte has only one year left, and McNeil three of you include the option. Sox won’t contend in that time unless they have an aggressive new owner. Acuna is the only real return that benefits them and he’s just not that great. Doesn’t make good swing decisions, too much weak contact. If I were Getz, this would be a non-starter because it doesn’t address the Sox’ needs for high-quality hitting prospects.
RWH 2
Hard pass on any of those prospects for Crochett. Too small and or not good enough. Established + MLBers have to come back to the Sox. At least one who hits and plays very day.
nrd1138
I just know one thing, the Sox have more of a likelihood of trading for ‘bust’ prospects than guys who will help them win anything. Getz does not really make me change my mind on that at this point.
Until Gerry-atric Reinsdorf sells the team to someone (hopefully to someone who wants to keep the team in Chicago and actually win something) this team will continue to be horrible or at the most never live up to the hype. After a near 35 years of listening to the Sox equivalent of the North side “This is the year’, I have grown extremely pessimistic as to any hopes for this org. Especially after a busted rebuild partly due to the owner’s, and the VPs, recent meddling.
sss847
Probably not a fit. Their prospects besides Sproat looked rough last year.
The biggest tr0ll
Wasn’t this guy nearly shut down mid-season or at least minimized? I’d be wary of drafting him and expecting any more than a #3. Too many questions if you ask me and who knows how he holds up. White Sox are smart to sell high.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
Pretty much every time he’s been healthy, he’s been a well above average pitcher, and the secondary metrics back up that he’s elite instead of just lucky. I get the injury concerns and that’s valid, but I wouldn’t expect him to only pitch like a #3.
The biggest tr0ll
I never said he was lucky…
If he ends up only pitching 3 innings near the end of the year like last year, no matter how good he is, he can’t be better than a 3.
We can’t fully evaluate his health or success until we see him in action in an extended role. I’d be wary to trade the farm for him
JoeBrady
I’d be wary of drafting him and expecting any more than a #3.
=============================
I have him as a 3rd rounder for my 2025 draft.
Jim Carter
That’s a sad foursome of Mets minor league rs.
Tomas7
I’d go after Snell and get him on board for spring training as he is a slow starter but gets going well. Will be interesting to see who the Mets end up with. Starnes is a smart guy, knows what he is doing.
Tomas7
Stearnes, darn AI..
butch779988
Team that trades for Crochet will regret it.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
And you know this how…?
alan.kawadler@verizon.net 2
The mets can not offer an established major league young hitter to chicago for crochet like the red sox, can do with the Abreu
hyraxwithaflamethrower
That’s true, but considering the White Sox’ timeline, prospects might be more appealing. If they won’t contend in 2025 or 2026, they’d be wasting two years of Abreu. With a prospect, his clock wouldn’t start until 2026 if they brought him up mid next year. It adds more risk, certainly, but it would also align with their timeline better.
GarryHarris
I will be shocked at the stupidly of the ChiSox trading Garrett Crockett to the Mets for Brett Baty. Baty will have to be a throw in then flipped. He can’t field and mostly can’t hit.
Bill M
How about this one: they don’t trade Crochet (or even Crockett) for anything & they use him as the piece to do their rebuild around?
alproof
Do NOT trade ANY of Jett Sproat Mauricio Acuna Tidwell Gilbert Clifford.
JackStrawb
Jett Williams, Carson Benge, and Acuna, the latter simply so we don’t have to spend the next 5 years hearing Mets fan bemoan the lack of opportunities for a player who hasn’t succeeded in the Mets system in 750 PA just because he was great his first 15 PA in MLB.
I’d hate to give up 2 of the top 4 position player prospects for two years of Crochet, but that just might be what it costs, particularly if an extension fair to both sides can be agreed on.
Crochet in 2024 just had deGrom’s ROY season (note to Idiots: That’s not a claim that Crochet IS deGrom). That’s a marvelous player to add for the uncertain futures of a Williams and a slow OFer like Mets #4 Ryan Clifford.
The Mets interest in Crochet and his 2.9m salary in 2025 makes me wonder if they’re going to both seek to contend in 2025 while also getting under the LT threshold and resetting the tax. That would be an extraordinary feat given they’d only be able to add one serious player through full price free agency this offseason and with all the holes in the roster trying to repeat the good fortunes of 2024 seems unwise.
They spent around 70m last offseason for a lot of odds and ends, and that’s about what they’d be able to spend for 2025 what with payroll for LT purposes around $170m and the soft ‘cap’ at $241m.
Seems like getting under for 2025 is out the window. It’s tough being bitten by your own success.