As the Chicago White Sox face a pivotal offseason, all eyes are on the future of Garrett Crochet, a rising star in the organization’s pitching rotation. According to discussions at the GM Meetings, the sentiment around the league is clear: "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when." Crochet's potential departure could mark a significant shift for the White Sox as they rebuild following a season of challenges.
Crochet’s Impact on the Mound
Garrett Crochet has proven himself an exceptional pitcher, delivering impressive numbers throughout the 2024 season. Pitching 146 innings, he posted a 3.58 ERA, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill. Moreover, advanced metrics paint an even more flattering picture of Crochet's performance. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at an impressive 2.69, his expected ERA was 2.83, and his deserved run average was 2.75.
In addition to these remarkable metrics, Crochet led all pitchers with at least 140 innings in 2024 with a formidable 35.1% strikeout rate, highlighting his ability to dominate hitters. Crochet’s control was equally noteworthy, with a commendably low walk rate of 5.5%—a testament to his command and precision on the mound.
Evolving Arsenal
The 25-year-old left-hander expanded his pitching repertoire in 2024, adding a cutter in the low 90s and introducing an upper-90s sinker towards the season's end. This sinker, an effective addition to his arsenal, saw opponents batting a mere .154 against it. In total, Crochet utilized this pitch 50 times, with 36 of those occurring in his final three starts of the season. Such developments in his pitching style have decidedly enhanced his effectiveness, particularly against right-handed batters.
Challenges and Trade Speculation
Despite Crochet’s individual success, the White Sox struggled defensively, statistically ranking as the worst team in 2024. Crochet, who missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, came back strong, only to find himself in a contract negotiation stalemate. He demanded a contract extension as a prerequisite to participating in the postseason, a demand that remains unmet.
Financial Implications
From a financial perspective, Crochet earned $800,000 in 2024, a figure that is projected to escalate to $2.9 million in 2025. As the White Sox confront these financial and contractual challenges, the prospect of trading Crochet could provide a solution to address both the player’s demands and the team's restructuring objectives.
The likelihood of a trade places the White Sox in a complex strategic position, tasked with balancing immediate necessities against long-term plans. As interest peak from rival teams, the potential departure of Crochet could not only serve as a pivotal off-season move but also reshape the trajectory of the White Sox's pitching dynamic.
As the offseason unfolds, the baseball community will closely watch developments surrounding Crochet's future, aware that his potential trade could significantly impact both the White Sox and the broader MLB landscape.