Sources: Red Sox finalizing trade for Crochet

DALLAS — The Boston Red Sox are finalizing a trade to acquire left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, sources told ESPN, using their deep well of prospects to land the best starting pitching available on the trade market.

Multiple prospects will head to Chicago for Crochet, who thrived in his first season in the White Sox’s rotation last year after transitioning from a relief role.

While the teams had discussed multiple iterations of a deal that would send Crochet to Boston, talks accelerated after Boston fell short in attempts to sign outfielder Juan Soto, left-hander Max Fried and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

The 25-year-old Crochet was dominant over 146 innings this year, striking out 209 while walking just 33. With a fastball that sits at 97 mph, a high-end slider and a cutter he added to great effect, Crochet looked like a frontline starter — exactly the sort the Red Sox need as they look to rebound from a five-year stretch in which they finished in last place in the American League East three times.

He will join a rotation that includes right-handers Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford — and is likely to get the Opening Day nod for Boston.

The allure of Crochet goes beyond his elite stuff and performance. Because he spent the first four years of his career as a relief pitcher, Crochet’s salary in arbitration is far less than those of an elite starting pitcher. He is projected to make around $3 million this year and will not be a free agent until after the 2026 season.