In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago White Sox appear poised to trade promising left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet during the upcoming offseason. Rumors are swirling within baseball circles, and a rival evaluator at the GM Meetings confidently stated, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
An Impressive Year on the Mound
Crochet, at only 25 years of age, has illustrated his potential to become one of the premier talents in Major League Baseball. During the 2024 season, he posted a solid 3.58 ERA over 146 innings, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level. Yet, it's his advanced metrics that truly underscore his dominance. With a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and an expected ERA of 2.83, Crochet's season was, without a doubt, outstanding. His deserved run average was impressively set at 2.75.
Demonstrating his prowess on the mound, Crochet led MLB pitchers with at least 140 innings pitched, boasting an exceptional 35.1% strikeout rate. He controlled games with precision, exhibiting a mere 5.5% walk rate. Not just content with his existing repertoire, Crochet expanded his arsenal, adding a low-90s cutter and introducing an upper-90s sinker toward the season's end. Opponents struggled mightily against the sinker, batting a paltry .154 average. In his last three starts, this pitch was a formidable weapon, as Crochet utilized it 36 times out of a total of 50 times thrown.
Contractual Churn
Despite such a successful season, Crochet's future with the White Sox became murky due to contractual disputes. In a bold move, he demanded a contract extension as a prerequisite for participating in the postseason, signaling a strong self-awareness of his worth and leverage. During the past season, Crochet earned $800,000, but with his standout performance, his salary is projected to climb to $2.9 million in 2025.
Crochet’s assertiveness follows an eventful career path that saw him missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, making his 2024 accomplishments even more remarkable. His return and swift impact on the mound make a compelling case for the value he brings to any team.
A Troubled Chicago Defense
Complicating matters in Chicago is the team's statistically dismal defense. The White Sox ranked as the worst defensive team in 2024, a factor undeniably impacting the club’s pitching staff. Despite this hindrance, Crochet demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, particularly against right-handed batters, adding another layer to his impressive profile.
Given these dynamics, Crochet's potential move seems less about his abilities and more about team strategy and financial considerations. This coming offseason, his combination of talent and contractual status under team control for two more years could make him a lucrative trade target for multiple franchises looking to bolster their rotations with a lefty who can dominate lineups across the board.
Potential for a New Home
For the White Sox, this offseason poses a pivotal decision-making period. Trading Garrett Crochet could represent both a loss and an opportunity to restructure and address other pressing team needs. Though his departure might be disheartening for fans hoping to see him develop into a cornerstone of the South Sider's rotation, it offers an intriguing glimpse into how the franchise plans to tackle its offseason challenges.
As the MLB world anticipates roster moves, all eyes will remain on Chicago's front office. Whether the White Sox elect to part ways with Crochet or manage to reconcile with their budding star, the unfolding narrative will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about developments during the hot stove season. Whatever the outcome, Garrett Crochet's talents ensure he will remain a key player in the league's competitive landscape.