The Juan Soto sweepstakes have concluded, with the 26-year-old star right fielder choosing the New York Mets on a historic 15-year, $765 million deal, potentially rising to $805 million if the Mets void his opt-out clause in Year 5. By rejecting the New York Yankees, Soto’s decision could set off a chain reaction, with Garrett Crochet likely to be on the move from the Chicago White Sox following their historically poor 2024 season.
Garrett Crochet remains a hot commodity on the trade market, and it’s easy to see why. At just 25 years old, he possesses some of the most electric strikeout potential among MLB starting pitchers. Once again, it seems the Yankees and Mets are set to battle for one of the top arms available, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
“Following their intense bidding war over free agent Juan Soto, the New York Mets and New York Yankees are now among the teams competing for the top starting pitcher on the trade market, Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, according to sources familiar with the discussions,” Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported.
With Luis Severino departing for the Athletics in free agency, the Mets have a clear need for a pitcher capable of anchoring their rotation. The urgency is heightened by the free-agent status of Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana, further emphasizing the need to bolster their pitching staff.
The Yankees might struggle to stomach losing two prized targets to their crosstown rival. Acquiring Crochet could be their way of striking back, though the 25-year-old left-hander won’t address the significant hole in their lineup left by Soto’s departure.
