When the Chicago White Sox traded Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox on Dec. 11, 2024 for four players, Boston initially won the trade. 

Crochet finished second in AL Cy Young voting last season, boasting an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA and 255 strikeouts across 32 appearances. But with the White Sox's surprising turnaround this season, their young core has shifted the perception of the trade over the last year. 

The young talent they possess has helped carry them into their first postseason berth since 2021. Three of the players acquired from the Crochet trade (Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, & Braden Montgomery) have been solid contributors to the team. 

They were also productive in the AL Wild Card Series, helping the White Sox sweep the Houston Astros. Meidroth went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and a run in Game 2 while Teel went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run. Montgomery went 2-for-4 with a run in Game 1. 

The White Sox have advanced to the AL Division Series and will face the Cleveland Guardians.

White Sox's young talent overpowers Garrett Crochet's injury-riddled season and playoff setback

All things considered, the Crochet trade was at the very least a win-win for the clubs involved. 

Crochet struggled through an injury-riddled 2026 season and gave up for runs in a playoff appearance out of the bullpen. Considering that he hadn't pitched in five months, his rocky outing is somewhat understandable. 

This season is one that Crochet will want to put past him. The 27-year-old southpaw will be looking to return to form and bounce back with the Red Sox. 

Boston transformed its 2026 season after early-season struggles. However, the grit that was present in their late-season surge was nowhere to be seen in the postseason. The Yankees humiliated the Red Sox in the ALWCS, outscoring them 18-2 across two games. 

Overall, the Crochet trade has provided both Sox teams with success. But it will be captivating to see how far the White Sox's young core will take them this postseason, and how this trade is viewed a few years down the line.