MLB Trade Rumors: Garrett Crochet to Cincinnati In Proposed Blockbuster

The Cincinnati Reds have had an up-and-down season, but it's easy to see that this is a team on the rise. They are just three games back in the loss column from the final Wild Card spot, so anything is still possible in 2024. But for next season and beyond, there's a move out there for them at this trade deadline that could be a game-changer.

As concocted by the staff at mlb.com, this proposed blockbuster trade would land two huge pieces in Cincinnati, while re-stocking the Chicago White Sox to the hilt.

Cincinnati Reds Receive:

Garrett Crochet
Luis Robert Jr.

Chicago White Sox Receive:

3B Noelvi Marte
RHP Rhett Lowder (Reds’ No. 1 prospect, No. 20 overall)
3B Cam Collier (Reds’ No. 3 prospect, No. 83 overall)
SS/3B Ricardo Cabrera (Reds’ No. 8 prospect)
RHP Luke Holman (No. 71 overall pick in 2024 MLB Draft)

This would be a massive haul for the White Sox, nabbing three of the Reds' top eight prospects, plus a former elite prospect in Marte, who just recently returned from an 80-game PED suspension.

But for the Reds, they would shore up an already exciting young rotation of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott with another ace in Crochet, while providing a big power boost to an outfield that could use it. They're extremely strong on the infield already (and last year's elite rookie second baseman Matt McLain is returning in a month), so they can afford to give up Marte and the prospects.

Crochet recently hurt his trade value by insisting that he won't pitch in the playoffs unless he gets a contract extension from any team that acquires him. But that shouldn't affect the Reds too much, as they aren't considered true World Series contenders for this year.

It does seem like a huge package the Reds would be giving up, and it's unknown if they're ready to take such a "win-now" move (for 2025 and 2026 as well). But it's an intriguing and exciting trade to ponder.