MLB Winter Meetings Update: Red Sox Acquire Garrett Crochet and Juan Soto Signs Contract
The annual Winter Meetings for Major League Baseball concluded in Dallas, where the Boston Red Sox made headlines by trading for a star pitcher from the Chicago White Sox.
Left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet will be joining the Red Sox and playing at Fenway Park starting in 2025. He comes off a remarkable All-Star season, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings, despite being part of a White Sox team that had the worst record in MLB history.
In order to secure the 25-year-old Crochet, Boston traded four of its premier prospects.
“We believe we have acquired a true No. 1 starter in Garrett,” commented Red Sox GM Craig Breslow to the media. “He’s a lefty with a strong strikeout ability, and we’re optimistic that his best performance is yet to come. We’re definitely excited about what he adds to our team, and it was necessary to give up quality players to make this happen.”
In other news, the long-anticipated 15-year, $765 million agreement for Juan Soto with the New York Mets was finalized, with a press conference scheduled for Thursday at Citi Field.
As some of the marquee players have now signed at the Winter Meetings, many are looking forward to developments regarding Corbin Burnes, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Rōki Sasaki in the near future.
What’s Next for Mets’ Pitching Strategy with Crochet Acquired?
DALLAS — As the Winter Meetings came to a close on Wednesday, the Red Sox successfully traded for left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet from the White Sox. The deal involved sending away a couple of top 100 prospects: catcher Kyle Teel and outfielder Braden Montgomery, both of whom were the team’s latest first-round draft picks.
What implications does this have for the Mets? David Stearns, the team’s management, reported on Wednesday that they had been discussing potential strategies with White Sox GM Chris Getz about bringing Crochet into their rotation.
“It’s always a balancing act regarding how much future and prospect value we’re willing to sacrifice for immediate gains,” Stearns stated. “We’ve made those tough decisions before and will continue to weigh that risk. However, at times, the cost becomes too high, and we decide to hold onto our prospect value.”
– Andrew Tredennick, NorthJersey.com
Diamondbacks Not Considering Trades
DALLAS — Last year, following their fifth playoff appearance in six seasons, the Milwaukee Brewers opted to trade away their leading pitcher Corbin Burnes. Despite being in a similar position now with their top pitchers, the Diamondbacks are not looking to move right-handers Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly. They intend to keep both.
Their focus is on maximizing their chances for winning now, according to GM Mike Hazen. “My main goal is to build the strongest team possible for 2025,” Hazen said. “I’m not looking to throw everything away but want to seize this opportunity without compromising our long-term strategy and risking another downturn.”
– Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic
Juan Soto’s Contract Officially Finalized
Juan Soto has officially joined the New York Mets, with the team announcing the signing of his 15-year contract on Wednesday evening.
“This marks a significant milestone for the franchise,” said Mets Owners Steve and Alex Cohen in a statement. “Juan Soto is an extraordinary talent, bringing impressive historical statistics and a wealth of championship experience.”
Mets president of baseball operations, Davis Stearns, added: “This signing reinforces our commitment to long-term championship competitiveness. Juan contributes exceptional on-field performance and embodies the energy and passion we aspire to cultivate in our organization. We’re thrilled to welcome him and look forward to his exceptional contributions.”
Rule 5 Draft: Reds Pick Up Fast Outfielder
DALLAS – The Cincinnati Reds left the winter meetings without having made any trades or significant free agent signings.
However, right before departing from the Hilton Anatole as the meetings concluded, they acquired a speedy Triple-A player with defensive versatility, who might help Terry Francona’s playoff-aimed team in 2025.
Cooper Bowman, a 24-year-old who previously played at the University of Louisville, was selected by the Reds from the Oakland Athletics during Wednesday’s Rule 5 draft. He was drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round in 2021.
“He’s someone we’ve had our eye on since his amateur days,” said Rob Coughlin, the Reds’ director of pro scouting. “We’ve received consistent positive scouting feedback on him from his amateur career through to the minors. He possesses great intangibles and instincts when it comes to baseball. We believe he will manage various roles.”
– Gordon Wittenmyer, Cincinnati Enquirer
Red Sox trade for Garrett Crochet
DALLAS − Nearly eight years ago, the Chicago White Sox made a significant trade, sending their star and future Cy Young winner to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for four top-tier prospects.
On Wednesday, history repeated itself when the White Sox traded their standout pitcher Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox for four of their top 15 prospects, which includes two ranked among the top 60 in Major League Baseball.
In this five-player deal, the Red Sox gave up catcher Kyle Teel (ranked 4th within the Red Sox organization), outfielder Braden Montgomery (5th), infielder Chase Meidroth (11th), and pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez (14th). Teel holds a ranking as the 25th best prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline, while Montgomery comes in at 54th.
This trade mirrors a major deal made on December 6, 2016, when the White Sox traded Chris Sale to the Red Sox for a package that included Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Alexander Basabe, and Victor Diaz. Unfortunately for the White Sox, that transaction did not yield the expected returns, as Sale played a key role in helping the Red Sox secure the 2018 World Series title, while none of the prospects blossomed into stars for the White Sox. − Bob Nightengale
Cubs and Yankees eye Kyle Tucker
The chatter around Kyle Tucker and a potential trade has intensified, particularly after Juan Soto finalized a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract. Houston Astros GM Dana Brown hinted earlier this week that the organization is open to offers for their All-Star outfielder, who is set to hit free agency next winter. The Chicago Cubs have emerged as potential trade partners alongside the New York Yankees for Tucker.
Tigers have interest in Japanese star Roki Sasaki
DALLAS — The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are viewed as frontrunners to sign Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, who is heralded as one of the best pitchers globally.
However, the Detroit Tigers are entering the race.
And they stand a chance.
“Every team in baseball wants Sasaki,” stated Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris at MLB’s Winter Meetings at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. “We do too. We’re diligently preparing a pitch to make our organization appealing to Roki and his representative. Competition will be stiff, and we’re working hard to present our case.”
Sasaki is expected to sign around January 15.
“As far as I know, they haven’t set up meetings yet,” Harris elaborated. “They have a system where we submit our proposal, and then we wait for the next steps.” − Evan Petzold
Yankees interested in Christian Walker
Now that Juan Soto is no longer a candidate, the New York Yankees are eyeing free agent first baseman Christian Walker. Approaching 34 in March, Walker is known for his exceptional defense, having won the last three Gold Glove awards in the National League, and a solid batting performance. In the past three seasons, Walker has hit 95 home runs and boasts a 123 OPS-plus, which compares favorably to New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso’s 120 homers and 131 OPS-plus. Walker has spent eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Rangers trade for slugger Jake Burger
On Tuesday night, the Texas Rangers made a last-minute acquisition, bringing in 1B/3B Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins. In return, the Marlins will receive infield prospects Echedry Vargas, Max Acosta, and pitching prospect Brayan Mendoza. Burger, who is under team control for the next four years, adds power to the Rangers’ lineup, potentially filling a corner infield or designated hitter role. Last year, he hit 29 home runs and drove in 76 runs, following a standout 2023 season with 34 home runs.
Top remaining MLB free agents
With the top starting pitchers Max Fried and Nathan Eovaldi off the market according to YSL News Sports’ 2024-25 free agent rankings, some elite players still remain available, expected to command hefty contracts.
Here are the top 10 free agents still on the market:
- SP Corbin Burnes
- 3B Alex Bregman
- 1B Pete Alonso
- OF Teoscar Hernández
- OF Anthony Santander
- INF Gleyber Torres
- SP Jack Flaherty
- RP Tanner Scott
- 1B Christian Walker
- RHP Walker Buehler
MLB draft lottery updates
On Tuesday in Dallas, the Washington Nationals claimed victory in the MLB draft lottery, earning the top overall pick in the upcoming July 2025 draft.
This marks the first time the Nationals will select first since drafting Bryce Harper in 2010, having previously taken Stephen Strasburg as the overall No. 1 pick in 2009.
The Rockies and Marlins had the best odds of securing the top pick (22.45%), but they will pick fourth and seventh, respectively. The Nationals had a 10.2% chance, which was the fourth-best in the lottery.
MLB draft lottery outcomes:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Los Angeles Angels
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Colorado Rockies
5. St. Louis Cardinals
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
7. Miami Marlins
8. Toronto Blue Jays
9. Cincinnati Reds
10. Chicago White Sox
11. Athletics
12. Texas Rangers
13. San Francisco Giants
14. Tampa Bay Rays
15. Boston Red Sox
16. Minnesota Twins
17. Chicago Cubs
18. Arizona Diamondbacks
