‘Ready to deliver’ – The 2025 Offseason News (& rumors?) Thread

[Mike473]

I’ll enjoy these things a lot more when the Sox actually sign a couple players of major significance. Until then… whatever.

The narrative being pushed has definately changed this offseason. Yes, the "full throttle" comment was made early, but was never supported in any meaningful way during the coarse of the offseason. Now, the fanbases is getting fully juiced like I haven't seen in years. Like I said earlier, we had a big family gathering yesterday and the Red Sox was the main discussion. I loved it, but it was something I have not seen in many years. I know its only anecdotal, but was really unexpected.

I feel like a lot of momentum is building here and ownership has the regions attention. I think they need a big signing because a U turn back to last offseason just isn't good for business. My only hope is that they don't get caught without a chair and make a foolish move to save face.

 

[8slim]

The narrative being pushed has definately changed this offseason. Yes, the "full throttle" comment was made early, but was never supported in any meaningful way during the coarse of the offseason. Now, the fanbases is getting fully juiced like I haven't seen in years. Like I said earlier, we had a big family gathering yesterday and the Red Sox was the main discussion. I loved it, but it was something I have not seen in many years. I know its only anecdotal, but was really unexpected.

I feel like a lot of momentum is building here and ownership has the regions attention. I think they need a big signing because a U turn back to last offseason just isn't good for business. My only hope is that they don't get caught without a chair and make a foolish move to save face.

The MLB offseason is agonizingly slow compared to how the NFL and NBA offseason play out these days. It’s tedious to think that we likely have another 3 months to find out if the front office is really going to acquire meaningful players.

I want to believe. And I’d be surprised if Breslow pulls the rug out from under the fan base this offseason. But like I said, once we actually make a meaningful acquisition then I’ll be more into reading the stories about now this year is different.

 

[Mike473]

The MLB offseason is agonizingly slow compared to how the NFL and NBA offseason play out these days. It’s tedious to think that we likely have another 3 months to find out if the front office is really going to acquire meaningful players.

I want to believe. And I’d be surprised if Breslow pulls the rug out from under the fan base this offseason. But like I said, once we actually make a meaningful acquisition then I’ll be more into reading the stories about now this year is different.

I want to believe as well. But, your point is very well taken and the results will ultimately tell the story, for better or for worse. But, it is a lot more fun so far than last year.

 

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

The MLB offseason is agonizingly slow compared to how the NFL and NBA offseason play out these days. It’s tedious to think that we likely have another 3 months to find out if the front office is really going to acquire meaningful players.

I want to believe. And I’d be surprised if Breslow pulls the rug out from under the fan base this offseason. But like I said, once we actually make a meaningful acquisition then I’ll be more into reading the stories about now this year is different.

I heard on the MLB Sirius channel that Soto wants this done BEFORE the Winter Meetings which starts next weekend.

I have a feeling we’ll know sooner rather than later. Also I think Boras has a little pressure to get shit done sooner than he did last year. I think Boras a little juice with what happened last year.

 

[8slim]

I heard on the MLB Sirius channel that Soto wants this done BEFORE the Winter Meetings which starts next weekend.

I have a feeling we’ll know sooner rather than later. Also I think Boras has a little pressure to get shit done sooner than he did last year. I think Boras a little juice with what happened last year.

Personally I’m not judging the Sox offseason on whether or not they acquire Soto. Well, to be more clear, I’m not declaring it a failure if they don’t sign him. I never expected them to sign him and while the recent possibility is intriguing, I don’t see it as critical to their ability to compete for a title, IMHO.

Now, if we don’t acquire a front line starter, then I’ll be upset.

 

[koufax32]

But the taxes out there.

 

[SuperDieHard]

Personally I’m not judging the Sox offseason on whether or not they acquire Soto. Well, to be more clear, I’m not declaring it a failure if they don’t sign him. I never expected them to sign him and while the recent possibility is intriguing, I don’t see it as critical to their ability to compete for a title, IMHO.

Now, if we don’t acquire a front line starter, then I’ll be upset.

This was my feeling a month ago, but I’ve definitely gotten hooked by the thought of Soto on the Sox. I expect I’ll be able to pivot back after some disappointment should/when the inevitable happens….assuming they quickly pivot as well…for now this is all going about as quickly as time on a treadmill…

 

[TheDogMan]

I don’t know that he’s saying that; just that the Sox don’t have a great reputation right now and they aren’t a team that players are dying to go to. Given the amount of players the Sox have been interested in who haven’t signed here over the past few years, maybe there’s some truth to it? Hard to say- since Olney then says the Sox are being aggressive with offers, without any examples given.

I think, all money being equal, players wnt to go where ownership appears committed to winning. Boston has shown a lack of adding what is needed to get over the finish line. Let's face it, when the team has been in position to to get to the playoffs, management has not added any player who made a positive difference.

 

[snowmanny]

I think, all money being equal, players wnt to go where ownership appears committed to winning. Boston has shown a lack of adding what is needed to get over the finish line. Let's face it, when the team has been in position to to get to the playoffs, management has not added any player who made a positive difference.

Which Sox management and when? Ownership has usually and historically done so, though obviously not in the past few years.

 

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

Personally I’m not judging the Sox offseason on whether or not they acquire Soto. Well, to be more clear, I’m not declaring it a failure if they don’t sign him. I never expected them to sign him and while the recent possibility is intriguing, I don’t see it as critical to their ability to compete for a title, IMHO.

Now, if we don’t acquire a front line starter, then I’ll be upset.

I don’t expect the Red Sox to sign Juan Soto. Like at all.

But I’m going to be pissed if they don’t sign Juan Soto.

 

[8slim]

I don’t expect the Red Sox to sign Juan Soto. Like at all.

But I’m going to be pissed if they don’t sign Juan Soto.

That’s a choice.

He ain’t signing here.

 

[moondog80]

That’s a choice.

He ain’t signing here.

I think the chance is real. But so is the chance that he doesn’t. If they don’t…we will see. They can still have an offseason that is better than an offseason of Soto and nobody else would be.

 

[8slim]

I think the chance is real. But so is the chance that he doesn’t. If they don’t…we will see. They can still have an offseason that is better than an offseason of Soto and nobody else would be.

I just don’t see why we should lose our shit if they don’t land Soto. We’re not the favorites. This isn’t our guy to squander. No one wouldn’t take Soto if they could get him, but we have bigger issues.

Like I said, I want to see us add two frontline starters. If we fail at doing that then I’ll be pissed.

 

[cantor44]

I just don’t see why we should lose our shit if they don’t land Soto. We’re not the favorites. This isn’t our guy to squander. No one wouldn’t take Soto if they could get him, but we have bigger issues.

Like I said, I want to see us add two frontline starters. If we fail at doing that then I’ll be pissed.

Yes, an off season of signing Fried, Teoscar, and trading for Crochet is well within the the realm of possiblity and would be an excellent off season, putting the team in a position to contend for the post season. Personally, I gotta remember this when Soto signs elsewhere. Those bullshit X posts really got me going - fell right into the trap (such a sucker).

 

[rodderick]

Yeah, Soto doesn't make or break this off-season, they can still significantly improve the team if he signs elsewhere and will still need to heavily invest in pitching if he signs with the Sox.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

Yes, an off season of signing Fried, Teoscar, and trading for Crochet is well within the the realm of possiblity and would be an excellent off season, putting the team in a position to contend for the post season. Personally, I gotta remember this when Soto signs elsewhere. Those bullshit X posts really got me going - fell right into the trap (such a sucker).

Im still not sure that an OF of
Teo, Duran, Anthony
is better than Anthony, Duran, Abreu/Refsnyer

if you really think the WS will deal Crochet for Abreu and Crawford - and I don’t think it’s a given that Crochet will be better than Crawford (I don’t)… then I can see it but that assumes that Crotchet is signing an extension ($25M) and Teoscar ($25M) while adding Fried ($30).

I’d go with just adding Fried here, keeping Crawford and Abreu. To me that’s still a team that will be just as good as the MFY’s and O’s

 

[Beomoose]

I may be misreading you, but there's no way Max Fried alone makes up the difference.

 

[OCD SS]

Im still not sure that an OF of Teo, Duran, Anthony
is better than Anthony, Duran, Abreu/Refsnyer

I think it’s more important to look at which term you’re looking at. Next year I’d probably give it to the former (I think the jump to MLB is tougher). After that, it’s likely the latter.

I also think you have to also factor in Rafaela vs LHP and as a defensive replacement (although maybe he cancels out in the equation).

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

I may be misreading you, but there's no way Max Fried alone makes up the difference.

Maybe….

I’m just not too sure that Crochet will be better than Crawford. There’s some red flags with both- Crochet has hit his ceiling and that’s tantalizing but there’s lots of things to like in Crawford’s future- yeah Big Red Flags but mostly his ridiculous HR rate. I just worry that Crawford and Abreu (I still doubt Chicago will do that…. They’re clearly overvaluing him) for Crochet is a lateral move at best…. While subbing an expensive and aging Hernandez won’t give you anything more in aggregate that an Abreu/Refsnyder platoon doesn’t.

 

[loneredseat]

Maybe….

I’m just not too sure that Crochet will be better than Crawford. There’s some red flags with both- Crochet has hit his ceiling and that’s tantalizing but there’s lots of things to like in Crawford’s future- yeah Big Red Flags but mostly his ridiculous HR rate. I just worry that Crawford and Abreu (I still doubt Chicago will do that…. They’re clearly overvaluing him) for Crochet is a lateral move at best…. While subbing an expensive and aging Hernandez won’t give you anything more in aggregate that an Abreu/Refsnyder platoon doesn’t.

I've kinda been thinking this. If things with Soto don't work out, I'd like to see them improve their pitching (sign Fried or Burnes and a few very solid bullpen arms) and let the kids play.
Adding Adames would be OK, too...

 

[simplicio]

I like Crawford a lot, but searching for some sort of equivalence between him and Crochet seems like heavy wishcasting to me.

 

[Fishy1]

I wouldn't look to draw an equivalence, but losing 9 years of control of Abreu and Crawford to get Crochet is absolutely a lateral move in the near term if Roman Anthony struggles with his introduction to the major leagues or flops altogether, and I'd argue it's likely that the former happens. Crochet is an all world talent but Crawford and Abreu combined gave us a lot of value last year.

Bleis, Montgomery, and one of our better pitching prospects is as far as I'd go for Crochet. Maybe Mayer, but the more I think about it I'd probably even balk at that.

 

[bosox1534]

I want some input as to why Crochet is valued so highly other than being young. He’s been seriously injured multiple times in just a few years in the majors, he’s had only one full season total, and while he had a good season, I wouldn’t say it was an outstanding season. Tanner Houck had a better year, isn’t much older and I feel like nobody is talking about him the same way Crochet is talked about. And two years of control really isn’t that much. Unless you can guarantee an extension, there is no way I include someone better than Wilyer in a deal. Just seems like a poor move that would hurt our future more than help.

 

[BigSoxFan]

I want some input as to why Crochet is valued so highly other than being young. He’s been seriously injured multiple times in just a few years in the majors, he’s had only one full season total, and while he had a good season, I wouldn’t say it was an outstanding season. Tanner Houck had a better year, isn’t much older and I feel like nobody is talking about him the same way Crochet is talked about. And two years of control really isn’t that much. Unless you can guarantee an extension, there is no way I include someone better than Wilyer in a deal. Just seems like a poor move that would hurt our future more than help.

He’s an elite strikeout pitcher, someone with ace potential. 2.69 FIP last year. The concerns about his health and durability are real, which is why this is a tough valuation. Only 25.5 years-old so you’d likely be acquiring his best years, if he stays healthy. I think he’s exactly the kind of guy the Red Sox should be going after but they should hold the line at whatever their line in the sand is with respect to prospects going over.

 

[cantor44]

Im still not sure that an OF of
Teo, Duran, Anthony
is better than Anthony, Duran, Abreu/Refsnyer

if you really think the WS will deal Crochet for Abreu and Crawford - and I don’t think it’s a given that Crochet will be better than Crawford (I don’t)… then I can see it but that assumes that Crotchet is signing an extension ($25M) and Teoscar ($25M) while adding Fried ($30).

I’d go with just adding Fried here, keeping Crawford and Abreu. To me that’s still a team that will be just as good as the MFY’s and O’s

They do RHH pop, pretty badly, the team struggled against LHP. Adding two top of the rotation starters is better than one! And you can have folks cycle through the DH position.

 

[loneredseat]

I want some input as to why Crochet is valued so highly other than being young. He’s been seriously injured multiple times in just a few years in the majors, he’s had only one full season total, and while he had a good season, I wouldn’t say it was an outstanding season. Tanner Houck had a better year, isn’t much older and I feel like nobody is talking about him the same way Crochet is talked about. And two years of control really isn’t that much. Unless you can guarantee an extension, there is no way I include someone better than Wilyer in a deal. Just seems like a poor move that would hurt our future more than help.

His stuff is just pretty nasty. I felt like this too until I started watching some videos of him.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

They do RHH pop, pretty badly, the team struggled against LHP. Adding two top of the rotation starters is better than one! And you can have folks cycle through the DH position.

To be clear… I won’t be punching walls and kicking chairs if Abreu and Crawford get dealt for Crochet (and they sign Hernandez)…. I just doubt that trade will happen. It’d be more like Abreu, Mayer and Crawford I worry.
And yeah, I think just adding Fried here as Pivetta’s replacement turns the rotation into a top 5. Having healthy Casas and Story…. Grissom or Campbell improves the offense and that team is somewhere between last season’s O’s and Yankees.

 

[Yo La Tengo]

They do RHH pop, pretty badly, the team struggled against LHP. Adding two top of the rotation starters is better than one! And you can have folks cycle through the DH position.

The Sox had the 5th best OPS against lefties last year in the AL. They weren't great but a huge part of that was the black hole at second base (.532 OPS overall, worst in MLB). If Grissom, or Campbell, can step into the void at 2B (and a full year of Casas and Story*), the numbers overall, and the numbers against lefties, should be fine.

Other than Soto, I don't see any hitters worth spending big dollars and I agree with SandyLT: what they've got could very well be better than anything available to add on offense.

 

[bnyc]

Crochet is awesome but the combination of lack of innings history and only 2 years control limits his value to me. I hate to give up on Abreu but I can stomach that in a Crochet trade but not paired with one of the Big4. If other teams want to give a higher value than the RS I'm fine with not trading with them. It does make either Burnes or Fried imperative.

 

[loneredseat]

Crochet is awesome but the combination of lack of innings history and only 2 years control limits his value to me. I hate to give up on Abreu but I can stomach that in a Crochet trade but not paired with one of the Big4.

It's the 2 years of control that I think limits his value more than anything. Hard to trade 5+ years for that.

 

[simplicio]

Given what it will probably take to get him combined with injury concerns, I think it's only worth it to trade for Crochet if you have an extension lined up. But if you have that then the number of years you're trading away become much less material.

 

[OCD SS]

I wouldn't look to draw an equivalence, but losing 9 years of control of Abreu and Crawford to get Crochet is absolutely a lateral move in the near term if Roman Anthony struggles with his introduction to the major leagues or flops altogether, and I'd argue it's likely that the former happens. …

Anthony (or any other her prospect) struggling should be counted on when they arrive at MLB. The bottom line is you have to let them play through it. If they’re only ready when they’re ready to come up and not struggle, then they never will be.

If Abreu + can land Crochet, then you do it to improve the pitching staff. The real issue is what are the ChiSox looking for, because it sounds like their ask is much higher.

 

[nighthob]

Maybe….

I’m just not too sure that Crochet will be better than Crawford. There’s some red flags with both- Crochet has hit his ceiling and that’s tantalizing but there’s lots of things to like in Crawford’s future- yeah Big Red Flags but mostly his ridiculous HR rate. I just worry that Crawford and Abreu (I still doubt Chicago will do that…. They’re clearly overvaluing him) for Crochet is a lateral move at best…. While subbing an expensive and aging Hernandez won’t give you anything more in aggregate that an Abreu/Refsnyder platoon doesn’t.

Well, you can relax because Crawford wouldn’t be the other piece going over (the White Sox are in a 3-5 year rebuild and Kutter will be 29 in April). It would be something more along the lines of Abreu, Romero, Bleis, and a lottery ticket like Password. Boston would be adding Crochet to their existing rotation. In other words, Crawford and Bello would be the 4/5 guys.

 

[HangingW/ScottCooper]

Given what it will probably take to get him combined with injury concerns, I think it's only worth it to trade for Crochet if you have an extension lined up. But if you have that then the number of years you're trading away become much less material.

Of the available pitchers in Free agency and trade, Crochet is the most intriguing but potentially the most volatile. If he can be acquired for Abreu, Crawford and ? (say Bleis), I think you have to do that deal. I would also be looking at a 5-7 year extension as part of the trade.

If Crochet's price is Mayer or Casas, I'm out. Get Fried and/or even Burnes.

An offseason with $20 mil AAV in the bullpen, Teoscar, Fried and say Eovaldi is pretty solid.

 

[Sandy Leon Trotsky]

Well, you can relax because Crawford wouldn’t be the other piece going over (the White Sox are in a 3-5 year rebuild and Kutter will be 29 in April). It would be something more along the lines of Abreu, Romero, Bleis, and a lottery ticket like Password. Boston would be adding Crochet to their existing rotation. In other words, Crawford and Bello would be the 4/5 guys.

If Crawford isn’t included (and you’re likely correct here) and they do trade for Crochet, then one of Giolito, Crawford or Bello are off the rotation assuming they’re still adding Fried.
I think it’s just better to add Fried. Rotation is done! And good. Offense and outfield defense is still great.
If they add Soto…. Then I’d be leaning more towards talking Seattle guys and Duran

 

[nighthob]

If Crawford isn’t included (and you’re likely correct here) and they do trade for Crochet, then one of Giolito, Crawford or Bello are off the rotation assuming they’re still adding Fried.
I think it’s just better to add Fried. Rotation is done! And good. Offense and outfield defense is still great.
If they add Soto…. Then I’d be leaning more towards talking Seattle guys and Duran

If they trade for Crochet I suspect that their pitching spend will be a Crochet extension and bullpen help rather than an over 30 pitcher.

 

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

If Crawford isn’t included (and you’re likely correct here) and they do trade for Crochet, then one of Giolito, Crawford or Bello are off the rotation assuming they’re still adding Fried.
I think it’s just better to add Fried. Rotation is done! And good. Offense and outfield defense is still great.
If they add Soto…. Then I’d be leaning more towards talking Seattle guys and Duran

I think that you’re really over valuing an 81-81 staff. I think anyone on the entire staff and roster is absolutely fungible.

 

[YTF]

To be clear… I won’t be punching walls and kicking chairs if Abreu and Crawford get dealt for Crochet (and they sign Hernandez)…. I just doubt that trade will happen. It’d be more like Abreu, Mayer and Crawford I worry.
And yeah, I think just adding Fried here as Pivetta’s replacement turns the rotation into a top 5. Having healthy Casas and Story…. Grissom or Campbell improves the offense and that team is somewhere between last season’s O’s and Yankees.

I don't think Breslow gives up that much for two years of control of Crochet.

 

[nighthob]

I think that you’re really over valuing an 81-81 staff. I think anyone on the entire staff and roster is absolutely fungible.

There is a lot to like about Crawford, especially as a back of the rotation guy. I think that, conversely, people are putting too much emphasis on the mid season doldrums of the staters that were blowing past their career highs in IP.

 

[YTF]

Well, you can relax because Crawford wouldn’t be the other piece going over (the White Sox are in a 3-5 year rebuild and Kutter will be 29 in April). It would be something more along the lines of Abreu, Romero, Bleis, and a lottery ticket like Password. Boston would be adding Crochet to their existing rotation. In other words, Crawford and Bello would be the 4/5 guys.

I don't think Crawford's part of the equation, but Chicago still needs to be more competitive than they were last season and someone has to replace Crochet. IMO, Crawford at 3.85M next year with three more seasons of control after that is a very affordable fit for the White Sox, especially if he's able to rein in the gopher ball. He may also have future trade value if Chicago ever wanted to go that route.

 

[Paveskovich's Pole]

TJ Morin of The Sporting News is proposing a trade with Pittsburgh: Abreu and Winkleman Gonzalez for starter Jared Jones. Proposed Red Sox trade sends Gold Glove to Pirates for rookie starting pitcher | Sporting News

 

[nighthob]

I don't think Crawford's part of the equation, but Chicago still needs to be more competitive than they were last season and someone has to replace Crochet. IMO, Crawford at 3.85M next year with three more seasons of control after that is a very affordable fit for the White Sox, especially if he's able to rein in the gopher ball. He may also have future trade value if Chicago ever wanted to go that route.

I mean he's an affordable fit, but if Chicago has to choose between someone in their early 20s or someone exiting their prime, then they'd probably ask for Gonzalez or Monegro over Crawford.

 

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

There is a lot to like about Crawford, especially as a back of the rotation guy. I think that, conversely, people are putting too much emphasis on the mid season doldrums of the staters that were blowing past their career highs in IP.

I don’t think that Crawford is bad or Bello or Houck. I hope that they’re around but aside from Houck the other two were good last year (for the most part) and I hope that we can improve on all of them.

Houck and Crawford are going to be 29 next season. I don’t expect too much improvement from either of them. I think that they are what they are, which are serviceable starters. You can improve on that.

I think looking at our staff and (essentially) saying, “we’re done here” is not the right move. Nor do I think that anyone on this roster is untouchable. Whether the Sox finished in dead last at .500 or won the Series, every off season should be trying to get better.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

I don’t think that Crawford is bad or Bello or Houck. I hope that they’re around but aside from Houck the other two were good last year (for the most part) and I hope that we can improve on all of them.

Houck and Crawford are going to be 29 next season. I don’t expect too much improvement from either of them. I think that they are what they are, which are serviceable starters. You can improve on that.

I think looking at our staff and (essentially) saying, “we’re done here” is not the right move. Nor do I think that anyone on this roster is untouchable. Whether the Sox finished in dead last at .500 or won the Series, every off season should be trying to get better.

If Crawford can get his HR/9 down to league average and everything else stays the same, he’s a #2 starter, and Bello has a ton of upside. The Pivetta spot is wide open, and I’m not ready to hand Giolito a starting role next season. If you can sign Fried and trade for Crochet (or sign Sasaki, or trade for someone else), that’s perfect.

I’d prefer to keep Crawford, and I’d rather trade Abreu or Montgomery in any package. Unless Breslow thinks his HR issues aren’t fixable.

It should be noted that Crawford was very rarely allowing HRs until July, and then he suddenly started giving them up in bunches. Something changed, whether it was fatigue, pitch selection, or he was tipping pitches.

I think Crawford is capable of giving 180+ innings of 3.5 ERA baseball.

 

[simplicio]

I’m not ready to hand Giolito a starting role next season.

Why not? Breslow and Bailey are.

 

[Yo La Tengo]

It should be noted that Crawford was very rarely allowing HRs until July, and then he suddenly started giving them up in bunches. Something changed, whether it was fatigue, pitch selection, or he was tipping pitches.

I think Crawford is capable of giving 180+ innings of 3.5 ERA baseball.

Full agreement: Crawford gave up 13 home runs in 4 games right after the all star break at the exact point that he passed his career high in innings pitched.

Prior to the All Star Game, Crawford threw 114 innings with a 3.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. His HR/9 in that stretch was 1.10, which is near the ratios where Logan Gilbert and Sonny Gray ended the year.

EDIT: 1.10 HR/9 would be the 25th best ratio in MLB for starters last year. Due to his second half nose dive, Crawford ended up at 1.67 HR/9, worst in MLB. That's what 20 home runs is 69 innings to end the year will do to a good first half.

 

[chrisfont9]

I want some input as to why Crochet is valued so highly other than being young. He’s been seriously injured multiple times in just a few years in the majors, he’s had only one full season total, and while he had a good season, I wouldn’t say it was an outstanding season. Tanner Houck had a better year, isn’t much older and I feel like nobody is talking about him the same way Crochet is talked about. And two years of control really isn’t that much. Unless you can guarantee an extension, there is no way I include someone better than Wilyer in a deal. Just seems like a poor move that would hurt our future more than help.

There is a long history of MLB starting pitchers needing years to put it all together, including physically. Guys' arms aren't used to the workload and have to build up the durability, often picking up injuries along the way. He did just do that, and it was impressive. I'm not sure his earlier experiences are more predictive going forward than his fully-evolved, physically seasoned 2024.

 

[Yo La Tengo]

I want some input as to why Crochet is valued so highly other than being young. He’s been seriously injured multiple times in just a few years in the majors, he’s had only one full season total, and while he had a good season, I wouldn’t say it was an outstanding season. Tanner Houck had a better year, isn’t much older and I feel like nobody is talking about him the same way Crochet is talked about. And two years of control really isn’t that much. Unless you can guarantee an extension, there is no way I include someone better than Wilyer in a deal. Just seems like a poor move that would hurt our future more than help.

I'm not convinced the Sox should pay the price to acquire Crochet, but, his fastball is phenomenal. You'd have to think that Breslow/Bailey believe they could maximize his other pitches. For me, the health concerns are a real worry.

 

[Fishy1]

In what universe is Houck just a "serviceable starter"? He was fantastic, an all-star. He gave us 180 innings last year of 3.12 ERA despite being a groundball pitcher with a horrifyingly bad infield behind him AND having to pitch in Fenway.

He was a top 15 if not top ten pitcher in all of baseball. Put some respect on the man, he put it all together last year.

 

[LogansDad]

In what universe is Houck just a "serviceable starter"? He was fantastic, an all-star. He gave us 180 innings last year of 3.12 ERA despite being a groundball pitcher with a horrifyingly bad infield behind him AND having to pitch in Fenway.

He was a top 15 if not top ten pitcher in all of baseball. Put some respect on the man, he put it all together last year.

And he isn't a free agent until 2028. If he was on the White Sox right now and not a team that ostensibly was trying to compete next season, he would be one of the most coveted assets on the market.