A Mets free agent replacement for Jesse Winker became available again
Mets Trade Proposal Sends Projected $130M Ace to New York in Four-Player Swap
The New York Mets outperformed expectations this season by finishing two wins shy of the World Series. They’ll have to rebuild their starting rotation this winter since three main contributors are becoming free agents. Could president of baseball operations David Stearns swing a trade with the Chicago White Sox for left-handed hurler Garrett Crochet? Manager Carlos Mendoza’s starting rotation posted a 3.46 ERA after the All-Star break, which was the fifth-best mark in baseball. However, this group is likely to have several new faces in 2025. Jose Quintana, Luis Severino and Sean Manaea could all land elsewhere on the open market. Team owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets will allow Stearns to do what he needs via free agency. But could he convince the White Sox to part with their 25-year-old ace in a trade? Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller cooked up the following hypothetical trade proposal between Chicago and New York:
White Sox receive: shortstop/outfielder Jett Williams, right-handed pitcher Nolan McLean and right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong Williams (second), McLean (ninth) and Tong (10th) were among the Mets’ top 10 prospects in 2024, according to MLB.com. If the Mets could pry Crochet away from the White Sox, they’d have a young frontline starter under team control through 2026. This past year was Crochet’s first as a full-time starter. He posted a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. While Spotrac estimates his 2025 salary at $2.9 million, the southpaw’s expected performance is worth much more. His current market-value estimate sits at six years and $130 million. Crochet was the subject of many trade rumors leading up to the deadline this summer. With the White Sox in full rebuild mode, that will continue since they want to find a trade partner during the offseason.
Jesse Winker had such an impressive postseason for the New York Mets, many forget how bad he was in September. J.D. Martinez’s slump made headlines. However, Winker wasn’t much better. Remove his grand slam and he had as equally of an absent month.
Winker was still able to become a fan favorite because of his red hot October. He was the most consistent hitter throughout the postseason. Bringing him back in a similar role as a DH and occasional corner outfielder is on the table.
What if the Mets want to go in a different direction? One option just became available because he chose to opt out of his portion of a $14 million deal.
Joc Pederson is a player who can give the Mets the same Jesse Winker vibes with a more consistent resume
A lifelong member of the National League, Joc Pederson decided one year with the Arizona Diamondbacks was enough—or maybe he believes he can make more money. Whatever went into his decision, Pederson profiles very similarly to Winker
