As the MLB offseason looms, the Chicago White Sox are making waves with their plan to trade promising pitcher Garrett Crochet. The move, described by a rival evaluator at the GM Meetings as definitive—"They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when"—suggests significant shifts in the team's future strategy.
A Rising Star
At 25, Crochet is a key figure in the White Sox's pitching rotation with two years remaining under team control. Known for his powerful arm and recent innovations on the mound, his performance in 2024 was exemplary. Despite playing for what was statistically the worst defensive team, Crochet made a substantial individual impact.
During the past season, he pitched 146 innings maintaining a 3.58 ERA. His underlying metrics were even more impressive with a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), an expected ERA of 2.83, and a deserved run average of 2.75. These figures place Crochet among the elite of MLB pitchers.
Pitching Arsenal Expansion
Crochet's 2024 season saw the introduction of new pitches to his arsenal. He added a cutter in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker. The sinker, in particular, proved highly effective with opponents managing a scant .154 batting average against it. Despite only throwing 50 sinkers throughout the season, with 36 delivered in his final three starts, Crochet demonstrated his potential to further refine his pitching repertoire.
Notably, Crochet excelled at striking out batters, leading all pitchers with at least 140 innings under their belts with a remarkable 35.1% strikeout rate in 2024, while managing a disciplined 5.5% walk rate. His dominance was more pronounced against right-handed batters, showcasing his strategic adaptability.
The Unfolding Drama
The White Sox's decision to place Crochet on the trading block follows a season where Crochet himself demanded a contract extension as a condition to pitch in the postseason. Despite an earnings jump expected from $800,000 in 2024 to a projected $2.9 million in 2025, the friction between Crochet and the club appears to be a significant factor in the impending trade talks.
This friction is compounded by Crochet's historical return from adversity, having missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. Since then, Crochet has sought to prove his resilience and value, positioning himself as a crucial player worthy of a more secure contractual standing.
Potential Impact
The contemplated trade of Garrett Crochet could signal a strategic shift for the White Sox, looking to reshape their roster for better defense and capitalize on Crochet's currently high market value. While the team was encumbered by defensive struggles, Crochet's performance managed to shine through, indicating that other teams might see him as a critical acquisition.
As the offseason progresses, the trade talks centered on Crochet will be pivotal, with many speculating on the motivations and the potential destinations for the talented pitcher. His contributions in 2024 prove that Crochet is not merely a development talent but a well-rounded pitcher with much to offer, possibly in a different team environment that might better utilize his capabilities.
The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more as teams negotiate and vie for positions that could alter the balance of the league's pitching prowess. Meanwhile, Crochet, who has both the youth and the skill to attract widespread interest, waits as the centerpiece in this offseason narrative.