For Atlanta Braves fans, the one thing that could wash away the gross aftertaste of their disappointing and injury-filled 2024 season would be to make a big splash this offseason. The likelihood that they will keep Max Fried remains low and going into the 2025 season just banking on their injured stars returning to form wouldn't feel particularly great.
The Braves' early cost-cutting moves this offseason suggest that they are preparing to be active. It seems like there is a new Willy Adames to the Braves rumor or proposal every single day with other names like Ha-Seong Kim and Walker Buehler being thrown around early. However, one name on the trade market that could be gaining steam is potential ace Garrett Crochet.
Crochet is, without question, the most interesting (and available) trade target in baseball this offseason. The White Sox are extremely likely to move Crochet while they figure out how to not be an embarrassment of a franchise. While moving him isn't a surprise, what was pretty surprising was the word from ESPN's poll of MLB executives that the Braves are one of the favorites to land Crochet.
Garrett Crochet's 2024:
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2024
146 IP
3.58 ERA
1.06 WHIP
209 K
12.88 K/9 pic.twitter.com/g3TZp9aTw3
Braves Rumors: MLB execs think Atlanta among the favorites to land Garrett Crochet
Obviously trading for Crochet would certainly qualify as the bombshell that fans are looking for this offseason. The Braves previously tried to trade for Crochet at the deadline, so their interest in acquiring one of the top young pitchers in baseball is neither new nor surprising. Where this gets a little odd is that those in the know think Atlanta could actually pull it off.
While the criticisms of the Braves' farm system are overstated, there is no denying that it is on the weaker side right now especially when it comes to position players. The problem is that young hitters are reportedly exactly what Chicago is seeking in return for Crochet which makes a trade a tough fit. If the White Sox are in love with Drake Baldwin, see Orlando Arcia as a reclamation project, and are fond of a couple of the Braves pitching prospects, it could work out though.
The opinions on where Crochet could end up were far from unanimous as the Mets (gross), Orioles, and Phillies (also gross) got consideration as well. The Mets and Phillies' farm systems have questionable depth especially when expected promotions are factored in, but Baltimore could be a real problem in the Braves' pursuit as they are loaded with position prospects. If the Orioles decide to make a play for Crochet, Atlanta would just have to sell themselves as the best place for Crochet to sign and extension and for the White Sox to actually care about his opinion in the matter.