Breslow Eyes Another Blockbuster Trade to Pair Ace Crochet with a Top Starter
Craig Breslow has made his mark as the Boston Red Sox’s chief baseball officer with a pivotal trade for Garrett Crochet, a move that has set the tone for his tenure. As the landscape of Major League Baseball continues to evolve, Crochet stands out as a genuine ace—one of the rarest assets in the game today. However, the recent loss of Rafael Devers raises questions about the long-term vision for the Red Sox. For now, the immediate focus shifts to addressing a pressing need: securing a No. 2 starter or a co-ace to complement Crochet.
A Trade-Heavy Offseason on the Horizon
With the offseason approaching, Breslow’s mission is clear. At the Major League Baseball General Managers Meetings, he emphasized the urgency of finding a star pitcher to bolster the rotation. Notably, he appears unfazed by the prospect of further depleting the farm system, a concern that stemmed from his previous trade with the Chicago White Sox, where he moved four prospects to acquire Crochet.
“It would certainly put a dent in our system, making a trade like that,” Breslow acknowledged. His confidence in the organization’s ability to acquire and develop talent remains strong. “I have a ton of confidence in both the acquisition and development spaces that we can continue to identify players that can thrive in our system and continue to make them better.”
Balancing Short-Term Gains with Long-Term Strategy
While trades can provide immediate results, Breslow is also considering the free-agent market as a viable avenue for improvement. However, signing a free agent with a qualifying offer comes with its own set of challenges. The Red Sox would forfeit their second and fifth-highest draft picks if they pursued free agents like Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, Michael King, or Zac Gallen—players who are likely to be highly sought after.
“We have to determine how we value those things relative to each other and how we value one player versus the alternatives that are available to us,” Breslow explained. The organization is in a critical position, needing to enhance the roster for 2026 while making strategic trade-offs.
Financial Flexibility Through Strategic Moves
Acquiring a top-tier starter could also grant the Red Sox greater financial flexibility moving forward. This newfound leeway might enable the team to retain key players like Alex Bregman or even bring in a power hitter akin to Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso. In an ideal scenario, the front office would find a way to achieve all of the above, strengthening the roster for both the present and the future.
As Breslow navigates this pivotal offseason, the stakes are high. The decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the Red Sox’s trajectory for years to come, with the potential for blockbuster trades and strategic acquisitions at the forefront of his plans.
