A postseason sweep of the Baltimore Orioles by the Kansas City Royals has set the stage for potential trades aimed at strengthening their roster for a deeper run in 2025.
In his analysis of possible trade scenarios involving Chicago White Sox standout Garrett Crochet, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggested a deal that would send Crochet to Baltimore.
The proposed trade would have the Orioles acquiring left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, while the White Sox would receive catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo and right-handed pitcher Alex Pham.
Miller noted, “With a wealth of prized prospects and a pressing need for starting pitching, Baltimore was seen as a frontrunner to land Crochet several months back.”
He added that even after acquiring Zach Eflin and Trevor Rogers, who are both under team control through at least 2025, the Orioles will likely remain in contention for Crochet this offseason.
Both Basallo and Pham are recognized as top 30 prospects within the Orioles organization. With the potential loss of Corbin Burnes in free agency, Crochet could serve as a suitable replacement.
Meanwhile, the White Sox are gearing up for an extensive rebuild, and acquiring three young talents could be immensely beneficial. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported in September that the White Sox are expected to trade Crochet.
“While White Sox starter Garrett Crochet has expressed interest in a long-term contract extension, the team is still fully committed to trading him this winter,” Nightengale stated.
Crochet will be arbitration-eligible in 2025 and 2026. After an impressive 2024 season in which he was named an All-Star during his inaugural year as a starter, he made 32 starts and posted a 3.58 ERA.