Report: Red Sox could pursue trade for young All-Star pitcher

Aug 23, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Hats and gloves from the Boston Red Sox team near the edge of the dugout before the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox desperately need to add a starting pitcher to the top of their rotation this offseason, and there is a growing belief that they could pursue a trade for one young All-Star.

ESPN’s Buster Olney and Jeff Passan discussed the future of Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet during the latest episode of the “Baseball Tonight” podcast, which was released on Wednesday. Both MLB reporters agreed that the left-hander is likely to be traded this winter, and Olney said he views two teams as suitors.

“I think it’s a slam dunk he’s going to be traded, and the two teams I’m watching are the Mets and the Red Sox,” Olney said, via Jason Ounpraseuth of NESN.com.

Passan noted that Crochet is willing to sign an extension with a team that trades for him. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has made it clear that Boston will pursue high-end pitching talent this offseason, so the 25-year-old Crochet could be a top target.

Crochet was one of the lone bright spots on a White Sox team that won just 41 games this season. He went 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 32 starts. Crochet was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

There was talk that Crochet might have hurt his own trade value prior to the deadline this season, but he seems likely to be moved in the coming months.