The New York Mets are coming off the All-Star break in a playoff position, holding the final National League Wild Card spot with a 49-46 record as of July 19. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is looking to enhance his pitching staff before the July 30 trade deadline, with Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet potentially being a key target.
Mike Axisa of CBS Sports has listed several bold predictions for the second half of the season, one of which suggests the Mets could trade for this summer’s most coveted pitcher. Crochet, who has pitched just 73 innings from his debut in 2020 through 2023, has been both healthy and effective in 2024, earning his first All-Star selection. As of July 19, he boasts a 6-6 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 107.1 innings, leading MLB with 150 strikeouts.
What Would New York Have to Give Up to Acquire Crochet?
The White Sox have been waiting for the right offer for starting pitcher Dylan Cease, eventually trading him to the San Diego Padres in February. Given Crochet’s current contract situation—he’s earning $800,000 in 2024 and is under team control through 2026—the White Sox are likely seeking a substantial return for him. Teams such as the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Baltimore Orioles are all interested.
To outbid the competition, Axisa suggests the Mets might need to offer a package including third baseman Brett Baty, right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat, and catcher Kevin Parada. Baty, a former top prospect, and Sproat (sixth) and Parada (10th) are among the Mets’ top-10 prospects according to MLB.com.
How the Mets Might Utilize Crochet in Queens
Despite a starting rotation ERA of 4.25, which ranks in the bottom third of the league, the Mets need relief help. Their bullpen has a 4.20 ERA, the 11th-worst in the league, and has struggled with a 4.84 ERA since June 1. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported on July 19 that the Mets are targeting bullpen improvements before the deadline. However, Axisa believes that Crochet’s potential move to Queens could be due to his current workload. Having already pitched a career-high 107.1 innings this season, it’s anticipated that Crochet might be shifted to the bullpen, where he has considerable experience and where the Mets need support. This shift could be temporary, with the plan to return him to the rotation in 2025 and 2026.
Acquiring Crochet could address a weak spot in the Mets’ roster and strengthen their future rotation. The final outcome will depend on how aggressive they are in the upcoming bidding war if they are genuinely interested in the left-hander.