Winter trade talks could soon heat up across Major League Baseball, and the Boston Red Sox could find themselves in the middle of the biggest negotiations.

It is common knowledge that the Red Sox are in the market for a number one starting pitcher and are looking to spend big. Free agency is obviously the most direct route to finding that starter, but given the high price tag for starting pitchers this winter, a trade could prove to be the most efficient route.

Right now, there is one trade candidate who stands out from the rest in terms of both talent and availability. That’s Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox, the 25-year-old left-hander who struck out 209 batters in just 146 innings last season.

The Red Sox have already made a big trade for a left-handed pitcher from the White Sox, acquiring Chris Sale before the 2017 season. Could history repeat itself?

Insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today listed the Red Sox among the teams participating in Sunday’s Crochet Sweepstakes:

“The White Sox have had serious discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies but rejected the concept of Alec Bohm and outfielder Justin Crawford. The San Diego Padres would love him and have dealt with many prospects in the past, but told the White Sox they are.” “I’m sticking with catcher Ethan Salas and shortstop Leodalis De Vries,” Nightengale said.

“The Red Sox are lurking. In the end, the White Sox will trade him to the team that offers them the most valuable prospect and hope they never experience anything like their embarrassing 41-121 season again.”

Since Nightengale didn’t mention any specific players the Red Sox had put on the table, one can conclude that Boston is not as advanced in trade discussions as the other two teams. However, this could be a positive sign when both the Phillies and Padres are already in a stalemate.

Ultimately, Crochet is a worthwhile prize, but the White Sox still seem to demand the moon from anyone who rings their phone. If that price starts to fall, we should soon realize how serious the Red Sox’ crochet policy is.

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