Red Sox remain in rotation market after Crochet deal

The Red Sox acquired the offseason’s top rotation trade candidate this afternoon. Even after purchase Garrett Crochet Boston is looking for a starter from the White Sox in a package that includes four prospects.

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow told reporters that the Sox remained in the rotation market after the Crochet acquisition (Bluesky link via Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe). The Globe’s Alex Speier reports (on X) that Boston is still busy Corbin Burnes as well as medium-sized rotation targets.

This could obviously take the form of either a free agent move or a trade. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweets that the Sox are still in talks with the Mariners about their starting pitching. Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported Monday that Seattle has rejected interest in a deal that would have sent one of their young starters to the Sox as a first baseman Triston Casas. Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, has repeatedly spoken about the organization’s unwillingness to even consider a move George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller.

Luis Castillo could be a different story. The Mariners are reportedly open to discussions with Castillo, who they owe $68.25 million over the next three seasons. The deal also includes a vesting option for 2028. According to Mark Feinsand and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, there is industry belief that the rights holder is available (X-Link). There should be trade value since Castillo’s deal is consistent with it Luis Severino And Nathan Eovaldi have signed three-year free agent contracts. Still, Castillo isn’t as attractive as the M’s young core of much cheaper starters. That price will certainly impact the M’s willingness to listen to offers, as they’re reportedly operating at around $15-20 million in payroll and could use multiple hitters.

It’s unlikely the Mariners would trade Castillo solely for prospects. They would probably need an MLB hitter to secure the return. Casas might be asking too much if they didn’t send one of their younger arms to Boston. outfielder Wilyer Abreu is another potential trade candidate from the Red Sox, although the M’s have less of a need for an outfielder and more of a corner infield slugger like Casas.

Whether anything will come of the Sox’s efforts remains to be seen. At least it’s clear that Breslow and his front office are working with a rotation consisting of Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Cutter Crawford And Lucas Giolito. They gave up a good package of young talent to get Crochet, but from a financial perspective he is extremely affordable. Boston should have the flexibility to continue identifying free agent targets or receive a significant salary in a trade.