Have Red Sox's Former Trade Partners In Massive Blockbuster Already Passed Them? originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When the Chicago White Sox traded Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox for four prospects in December 2024, the two teams appeared to be going in different directions. The Red Sox were clearly taking a step forward and looking to contend after three straight years of missing the playoffs. Meanwhile, the White Sox were obviously rebuilding after their historically bad 121-loss season.
Sure enough, Boston made the postseason in 2025 while Chicago continued to struggle, losing 102 games.
The White Sox have suddenly taken a big step forward this year, however, while the Red Sox have taken an alarming step back. Surprisingly, Chicago's been a better team than Boston this year.
Entering play on Monday, the White Sox are 24-22 and second in the AL Central. They have the fourth-best record in the American League after going 17-8 over their last 25 games, surging around their young talent.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are reeling. They're last in the AL East, have the third-worst record in the AL and have shown no signs of improving, losing five of their last seven games.
Crochet is hurt, Boston's offense is sputtering and the team is in real danger of missing the playoffs this year.
The trade was a win for both sides, but it's surprising how this season has gone for them so far. Chicago is clearly on the upswing after bottoming out, while the Red Sox have been unable to maintain last year's success.
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