Flavin Media

Finally, a move was made in this full-throttle 2.0 offseason for the Red Sox, and there should be minimal questions about Crochet and his ability. However, this move does reveal some details when you pair it with recent media pressers…

Initial Thoughts:

Had to deal a potential franchise builder? The White Sox were rumored to be wanting OF Roman Anthony, so it’s good that we didn’t give someone like him up. In hindsight, though, could you have gotten Crochet with a piece like IF Marcelo Mayer—who, despite having potential, has been bugged by injuries?

You still haven’t shown willingness to sacrifice money. It is definitely somewhat hypocritical to second-guess the prospect sacrifices in a move we’ve been clamoring for. However, you’ve shown to this point that you will not go the extra mile with free agent talent—and money is arguably the real sacrifice to the higher-ups.

Crochet must be paired with another major pitcher. Crochet has major upside, but with potential injury concerns and a high workload, it would be wise to make sure the rotation is fortified with another fringe ace. You won’t be able to compete hitting-wise with the top dogs in the league—no matter who you get that’s left—but signing a top FA pitcher would have you competing with anyone because of your rotation.

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Listening Through the Walls:

Red Sox are reluctant to sign OF in general: With OF Roman Anthony poised to make the big league roster soon, I’d say the Red Sox don’t find it necessary to “overpay” for an established hitting outfielder.

Red Sox do not like the market’s remaining SP: I would say the Red Sox find RHP Corbin Burnes too expensive, especially with the established “totality” (a word Breslow has been big on) of their rotation. The Red Sox being in on RHP Dylan Cease would confirm this, as that’s a right-handed pitcher available only via trade with San Diego.

Red Sox believe IF is the only real need: With outfield prospects and players like Duran, Rafaela, and Yoshida, the Red Sox only want to acquire hitters that fit the totality of their team. The only hole left that the Red Sox wouldn’t be able to deny is second base.