In what appears to be an inevitable course of action, the Chicago White Sox are poised to make a significant roster move this offseason by trading Garrett Crochet. According to sources familiar with the situation, "they're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when," remarked a rival evaluator during the GM Meetings. This forthcoming decision signals a strategic pivot for the White Sox, who aim to capitalize on Crochet's market value while addressing underlying team dynamics.
A Rising Star Under Team Control
Garrett Crochet, a young left-hander in the White Sox's pitching rotation, stands out as an intriguing trade chip. At 25 years old, Crochet remains under team control for two more seasons, making him a valuable commodity for clubs seeking reliable pitching. Crochet, though relatively young in terms of experience due to a significant injury hiatus, has rapidly developed into a formidable force on the mound.
Demand for Extension Amid Strong Performance
Tension surfaced between Crochet and the organization when he reportedly demanded a contract extension as a precondition to participating in postseason games. This bold move came on the back of a standout 2024 season, where Crochet showcased his potential. He logged 146 innings, posting an impressive 3.58 ERA. More advanced metrics like Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and expected ERA further underscored his prowess, sitting at 2.69 and 2.83, respectively. These numbers, complemented by a deserved run average of 2.75, painted Crochet as a pitcher with robust command and effectiveness.
Dazzling Strikeout and Walk Rates
One of the defining aspects of Crochet's 2024 performance was his ability to overpower hitters. He led all pitchers with at least 140 innings pitched by achieving a remarkable 35.1% strikeout rate, a testament to his ability to challenge and outmatch batters consistently. Additionally, Crochet demonstrated control and precision with a walk rate of only 5.5%, underscoring his skills in managing the flow of the game.
Adding New Dimensions
Throughout the 2024 season, Crochet continued to refine his repertoire, adding a low 90s cutter and introducing an upper-90s sinker later in the year. This strategic evolution puzzled and subdued opponents, as evidenced by a meager .154 batting average against his newly deployed sinker, which he threw sparingly yet effectively, delivering 36 out of his total 50 sinkers in his final three starts.
A Bright Spot in a Tough Season
Despite Crochet's individual success, the White Sox struggled collectively, emerging statistically as the worst defensive team in 2024. This defensive shortcoming amplified the necessity for significant changes, including potentially trading a burgeoning talent like Crochet, to bolster the team's future competitive prospects.
Financial Considerations
On the financial side, Crochet's salary dynamics make the timing of a trade pragmatic. Having earned $800,000 in 2024, Crochet's projected salary rise to $2.9 million in 2025 represents a substantial increase. This financial landscape, combined with Crochet's previous absence in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery, adds layers to the White Sox's decision-making as they consider extracting maximum value from a player whose stock has never been higher.
Market Implications
With an inevitable trade on the horizon, many teams will vie for Crochet's talents, eager to integrate his evolving skill set and formidable strikeout capabilities into their rotations. His established performance against right-handed batters further raises his appeal, as teams evaluate potential matchups and strategic deployments.
As the offseason unfolds, Garrett Crochet's impending trade will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, intrigued by how teams will navigate the delicate balance of potential, control, and immediate needs, and how the White Sox will position themselves to rebound from a challenging 2024 season.