White Sox Prepare to Trade Garrett Crochet in a Surprising Offseason Move
As the 2024 baseball season has drawn to a close, attention has shifted to the off-field maneuvers that could significantly reshape team rosters. The Chicago White Sox are reportedly planning a bold move that could send shockwaves through the league: trading pitcher Garrett Crochet. As a source at the GM Meetings succinctly put it, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
Crochet, a promising 25-year-old left-hander, has emerged as a key component of the White Sox's rotation. With two years left of team control, his performance in 2024 was a standout. Crochet hurled 146 innings and recorded a commendable 3.58 ERA. His statistical prowess was evidenced by his impressive 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a deserved run average of 2.75. Moreover, with an expected ERA of 2.83, Crochet's figures suggest he is an elite pitcher with remarkable consistency.
A Rising Star on the Mound
Crochet's skills extend beyond standard stats. He led all pitchers with at least 140 innings pitched in 2024 with a remarkable 35.1% strikeout rate, indicating his dominance over batters. Coupled with his efficient 5.5% walk rate, Crochet has developed into a pitcher capable of controlling the game from the mound.
The 2024 season saw Crochet expand his pitching repertoire, adding a cutter in the low 90s and introducing an upper-90s sinker late in the season — a pitch against which opponents batted a paltry .154. Despite its infrequent use, the sinker was deployed effectively, as evidenced by Crochet throwing 36 of his 50 total sinkers in just his last three starts.
The Business Behind the Move
For Crochet, the offseason has brought some drama. The young pitcher demanded a contract extension before agreeing to pitch in the postseason, a move that might have spurred the White Sox's decision to explore trade options. Earning $800,000 in 2024, his salary is projected to leap to $2.9 million in 2025, reflecting his value on the mound and potential market appeal.
The White Sox, despite Crochet's individual successes, struggled defensively, holding the worst statistical performance in the league last year. This may have impacted the efficacy of their pitching staff as a whole, prompting the team to reassess their strategy moving forward.
A Career-Rebounding Turnaround
Garrett Crochet's comeback after missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery has been nothing short of remarkable. His return to form is a testament to his dedication and talent, marking a successful transition back to competitive play with improved pitch mechanics and velocity.
Ironically, Crochet fared better against right-handed batters than left-handed ones in 2024, a reversal of expectations for a southpaw. This adaptability and effectiveness against a wide range of batters enhance his trade value significantly.
The Road Ahead
The decision to trade Crochet appears rooted in both his contract demands and his considerable market value. As teams gear up for the offseason, the White Sox's strategic choice to part with such a promising talent is bound to be a focal point of hot stove discussions. The calculus of balancing on-field performance with financial planning remains a challenging aspect for any club striving for long-term success.
With the winter meetings on the horizon, all eyes will be on the White Sox as they navigate this significant personnel move. Whichever direction they choose, the unfolding of this trade saga promises to captivate baseball enthusiasts awaiting the resultant ripple effects across the league.