When the Chicago White Sox traded Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox, many believed they got some good pieces that could help them win more down the line.
However, nobody expected that just one season later, the White Sox would be a postseason team and be playing in the American League Division Series. It's hard to believe that Garrett Crochet was the American League Cy Young Award runner-up last year, but the White Sox have reached the ALDS before the Red Sox.
The White Sox acquired catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, third baseman Chase Meidroth and right-handed pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez for Crochet, who signed an extension with Boston. Teel and Meidroth made their debuts last season, and Montgomery made his this year.
In the White Sox Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros, Meidroth, Teel and Montgomery played every inning. They combined to go 6-for-12 with a home run, four RBIs, three runs and one walk. Meanwhile, Crochet spent most of the year hurt and pitched for the first time since April 25 in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series.
Crochet gave up three hits and four earned runs, ultimately ending any hope of a late-inning comeback for the Red Sox.
In the long run, the Red Sox will not regret trading for Crochet, especially if the White Sox's miraculous season ends up being just a flash in the pan. Crochet is expected to be the Red Sox's ace for years to come, but if the White Sox win it all this year, discourse around the trade will grow.