In a move set to shake up Major League Baseball, the Chicago White Sox are reportedly planning to trade Garrett Crochet during the upcoming offseason. According to a rival evaluator present at the GM Meetings, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when," underscoring the certainty of Crochet's impending departure from the team.
Player Profile: Garrett Crochet
Crochet, a promising left-handed pitcher, is a crucial component of the White Sox's rotation. At just 25 years old, Crochet has already proven his worth on the mound. In the 2024 season, he pitched 146 innings, boasting a 3.58 ERA. This was accompanied by an impressive 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and an expected ERA of 2.83. With a deserved run average at 2.75, Crochet demonstrated precision and skill, earning respect across the league.
Adding to his impressive stats, Crochet led all pitchers with at least 140 innings in 2024 with a staggering 35.1% strikeout rate. His ability to fan batters is complemented by a commendably low 5.5% walk rate, reflecting his control and command on the pitcher's mound.
In an evolving pitching arsenal, Crochet introduced a new cutter in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker late in the season. The latter proved particularly formidable, as opponents could only muster a .154 batting average against the pitch. Despite throwing just 50 sinkers in total, Crochet utilized them heavily in his last three starts, throwing 36 times and displaying the pitch's effectiveness.
Contract Disputes and Future Uncertainty
Crochet’s relationship with the White Sox has recently become strained due to contract negotiations. As a condition of pitching in the postseason, Crochet demanded a contract extension, an ultimatum that has reportedly not sat well with the organization. With two years of team control remaining and a salary expected to rise from $800,000 in 2024 to $2.9 million in 2025, the team faces a crucial decision regarding their young star.
Despite his prowess, the White Sox's dissatisfied management appears keen to capitalize on Crochet’s trade value. His missed 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery adds another layer of consideration, reminding potential suitors of both his resilience and his past injury concerns.
The White Sox’s Defensive Woes
Contributing to Crochet's challenges with the team, the White Sox were statistically the worst defensive team in 2024. This lackluster defensive support may have thwarted the full potential of the young ace's efforts, forcing him into high-pressure situations more frequently than desired. His performances, particularly against right-handed batters, were notably more effective than against left-handers, leaving room for strategic improvements in his deployment.
Looking Ahead
As the White Sox weigh their options, the market for Crochet’s exceptional talents is expected to be robust. His blend of consistent strikeout ability, emerging pitch variety, and left-handed delivery makes him a coveted asset for many teams looking to bolster their rotation. The timing and nature of Crochet's trade will undoubtedly shape the White Sox's offseason strategy as well as their competitive stance in the approaching 2025 season.
In the coming months, as rumors morph into reality, all eyes will be on the Windy City to see where Garrett Crochet's next chapter unfolds. As he stands on the cusp of a career-defining transition, he represents not only a sought-after player but also a case study in contract negotiations, player development, and the intricate dance of Major League trades.