White Sox Eyeing Offseason Change: Garrett Crochet on the Trading Block
As the Chicago White Sox gear up for an offseason of potential changes, all eyes are on Garrett Crochet. The 25-year-old pitcher, currently a staple of the White Sox's rotation, has been thrust into the trade spotlight. According to insiders, the team is actively seeking to trade Crochet during the upcoming offseason, marking a critical juncture in both his career and the team's future lineup.
A rival evaluator at the recent GM Meetings emphasized the certainty of this development, stating, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
Crochet has two years remaining under team control, a factor that significantly impacts his trade value. However, his recent demand for a contract extension as a condition to pitch in the postseason may have accelerated the White Sox's decision to explore trade options. The extension demand underscores Crochet’s desire for long-term security, something the franchise does not appear ready to accommodate.
Impressive 2024 Performance
Crochet's 2024 season statistics reflect his prowess on the mound. Over 146 innings, he posted a respectable 3.58 ERA, highlighting his role as a reliable presence in the White Sox's pitching roster. Beyond ERA, advanced metrics paint an even brighter picture: a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), an expected ERA of 2.83, and a deserved run average of 2.75 attest to his skillful control and effectiveness.
The southpaw, known for his formidable strikeout ability, led pitchers with at least 140 innings in 2024 with a remarkable 35.1% strikeout rate, indicating his ability to dominate games and keep batters guessing. His 5.5% walk rate further reinforces his capability to maintain control and consistency on the mound.
Expanding Repertoire
This year, Crochet showcased growth in his pitching repertoire by introducing a cutter in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker, the latter debuting late in the 2024 season. The sinker proved particularly effective, as opponents batted a mere .154 against it. In fact, Crochet deployed his sinker 50 times, with 36 of those throws occurring in his final three starts, underscoring both his confidence in the pitch and its potential impact.
Challenges and Context
Despite his individual successes, Crochet operated within a challenging team context. The White Sox were statistically the worst defensive team in 2024, a scenario that likely inflated Crochet's ERA and potentially obscured his true performance level. Furthermore, his effectiveness against right-handed batters exceeded his performance against left-handed batters, demonstrating a nuanced aspect of his game that interested teams will examine closely.
Financial considerations also play into the trade narrative. After earning $800,000 in 2024, Crochet’s salary is projected to rise to $2.9 million in 2025. This salary hike may initiate White Sox discussions about reallocating resources, and Crochet's trade value, given his on-field performance and payroll implications, might offer an opportunity to address broader team needs.
Crochet's Journey
Garrett Crochet's journey to this point has been notable. Having missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, he rebounded effectively to contribute significantly in 2024. His return from such a major surgery and the quick uptake of new pitches such as the cutter and sinker speak to both his talent and resilience.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation around Garrett Crochet presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the White Sox. Trading a player of his caliber is never an easy decision, especially given his demonstrated ability and potential for further development. Yet, as the team considers its future direction, Crochet remains squarely in the spotlight as a key offseason narrative.