The Braves’ 2024 season fell short of expectations. While they didn’t end with a losing record or miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017, they managed to win 89 games and clinched a playoff spot on the very last day of the season.
Still, it’s hard not to think about how much stronger the Braves could have been in 2024 if their top star, Ronald Acuña Jr., and ace pitcher, Spencer Strider, hadn’t been sidelined with season-ending injuries early in the year. Both are set to return in 2025, but Atlanta faces the challenge of strengthening their roster to sustain the elite level of play they’ve come to expect.
Addressing the starting rotation will be a top priority in the coming weeks, as both Max Fried and Charlie Morton are free agents, with a significant chance the Braves could lose both this offseason. However, industry insiders believe the team is poised to replace them with a younger, more affordable, and potentially better player from the American League.
In 2024, Garrett Crochet posted a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA and a 1.068 WHIP. He struck out 209 batters over 146.0 innings pitched.
Atlanta Braves a favorite to make blockbuster Garrett Crochet trade?
On Tuesday, ESPN revealed the results of a survey conducted with 18 MLB executives, which included the question, *”Which team will land Garrett Crochet if the White Sox trade him this winter?”* Interestingly, the Atlanta Braves were highlighted as one of the frontrunners to acquire the Chicago White Sox All-Star.
Atlanta received four votes in the poll predicting who would land Garrett Crochet, second only to the Mets, who garnered five. However, a recent report indicated that the Mets might not have the assets needed to meet Chicago’s demands in a trade. This gives Braves fans additional reason to be optimistic about the possibility of securing a deal.
Garrett Crochet is under contract for two years, with an arbitration estimate of $2.9 million for the 2025 season.
The 25-year-old Garrett Crochet had a breakout All-Star season in 2024, emerging as one of the league’s top strikeout pitchers. As he heads into his second full season as a starter, he is expected to continue improving. With two years of team control remaining, Crochet is seeking an extension before reaching free agency in 2027.
