The Braves haven’t been in on any of the top free agent pitchers to this point, and that’s not expected to change, given the inflated market. Where Anthopoulos usually does his bidding for stars is through trade, the most sought-after option this offseason being Garrett Crochet.
The White Sox were inclined to move the young arm, but even more, Crochet hopes to sign an extension upon landing with a new club. That aligns perfectly with what Anthopoulos has done in the past with Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, Chris Sale, and others.
Unfortunately, the Braves were far from the only team interested in Crochet’s services. Eventually, the Red Sox won the sweepstakes, but according to Bob Nightengale, the Braves were among the five finalists.
The final 5 finalists in the Garrett Crochet trade talks before the Chicago White Sox traded him: Boston Red Sox: (who landed him) Atlanta New York Yankees Cincinnati Reds
The inflated free agent market is bleeding into the trade market, evident in the massive prospect haul Boston sent to Chicago. The White Sox received catcher Kyle Teel, who is baseball’s No. 25 overall prospect, outfielder Braden Montgomery, who is baseball’s No. 54 overall prospect, infielder Chase Meidroth, who was Boston’s No. 11 prospect, and right-handed pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez, who was Boston’s No. 14 prospect.
Essentially, the Braves would’ve had to put a package together that included Drake Baldwin, Hurston Waldrep, A.J. Smith-Shawver, and more. That might not even have been enough either. Atlanta would’ve completely wiped out what little farm system they had.
Is that worth it for two years of Garrett Crochet? Possibly, but like with every deal for a top starting pitcher this offseason — whether it be through free agency or trade — it would have come with a lot of risk.
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Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire
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