NCAAF

Tulane transfer QB Darian Mensah commits to Duke

Out goes Maalik Murphy and in comes Mensah; quite an upgrade, I’d say. The former Green Wave signal-caller flashed immediately as a freshman, throwing for 2,723 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. It’s surprising that Mensah committed so quickly, but this is a massive addition for Manny Diaz.

MLB

Red Sox receive: SP Garrett Crochet

White Sox receive: C Kyle Teel, RF Braden Montgomery, 2B Chase Meidroth and SP Wikelman Gonzalez

With his ahead-of-schedule dominance and the state of the White Sox, Crochet was a mortal lock to be dealt this offseason. A trade to Boston, however, wasn’t widely predicted, but it makes plenty of sense, especially given the return.

Crochet was ruthlessly efficient last season, striking out 209 batters in just 146 innings, producing a 3.58 ERA. The 25-year-old finished just 6-12, but it would’ve been difficult for even 2000 Pedro Martinez to finish above .500 on last year’s White Sox. Perhaps it’s unrealistic to expect Crochet to return 2024’s results every year, but he’s a burgeoning ace only beginning his path to greatness.

The Red Sox, in particular, are an interesting destination for the southpaw, as he’ll slot in nicely next to Tanner Houck atop Boston’s rotation. Boston surrendered an arm and a leg for Crochet, but this move will be worth it if the club makes the ancillary transactions necessary to augment this trade.

The White Sox, on the other hand, are rebuilding and they know it. Thus, getting as much as possible for their ace should’ve been the goal. Mission accomplished. Teel is one of the top catching prospects in baseball, and Montgomery, Meidroth and Gonzalez are all valuable prospects in their own right. 2027 is the absolute earliest Chicago should be vying to contend, but this trade is an important step in the franchise’s rebuild.

Red Sox Grade: B+

White Sox Grade: A-