The Chicago White Sox are heading into the offseason with significant changes on the horizon, and one of the most prominent anticipated moves involves lefthanded pitcher Garrett Crochet. Sources reveal a determined plan by the White Sox to trade Crochet amidst mounting speculation and strategic adjustments within the team’s roster, as confirmed by a rival evaluator 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."
Garrett Crochet, aged 25, has been an intriguing presence for the White Sox, delivering a stellar 2024 season that showcased his potential on the mound. Despite missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, Crochet made a strong comeback, pitching 146 innings with an impressive 3.58 ERA. His underlying metrics paint an even brighter picture: boasting a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), an expected ERA of 2.83, and a deserved run average of 2.75.
The southpaw's ability to strike out batters was unrivaled in 2024; he led all pitchers with at least 140 innings with a commanding 35.1% strikeout rate, complemented by a modest 5.5% walk rate. Such performances underscore Crochet's prowess as an overpowering force on the mound, particularly against right-handed batters—a significant metric given his role in the rotation.
During the 2024 season, Crochet diversified his pitching arsenal, adding a cutter in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker late in the year. This evolution didn’t go unnoticed, as opponents struggled, batting a mere .154 against his sinker. In his last three starts, Crochet relied heavily on this pitch, deploying it 36 times out of a total of 50 throughout the season, signaling its strategic importance in his repertoire.
Yet, as the White Sox look to recalibrate following their statistically poorest defensive performance in 2024, Crochet’s future in Chicago seems increasingly tenuous. While Crochet demanded a contract extension as a condition for pitching in the postseason, the team now appears to be leaning towards capitalizing on his current market value to address broader needs.
From a financial perspective, this offseason marks a pivotal period for the White Sox. Crochet’s current salary of $800,000 is set to balloon to a projected $2.9 million in 2025, an increment that may influence both his trade value and the team’s willingness to part with him. Balancing these factors will be crucial as the White Sox navigate potential trade discussions.
The postseason negotiations with Crochet highlight the complexities teams face when aligning player performance with long-term strategic goals. Crochet's blend of elite performance metrics and financial considerations present both an opportunity and a challenge for potential suitors, as they weigh the benefits of acquiring a player with such a potent skill set.
As the offseason unfolds, the league will closely monitor the moves of the Chicago White Sox, anticipating not just the timing but the implications of a potential trade involving Crochet. Whatever unfolds, the impact of his on-field contributions and his pending exit could shape not just the White Sox’s immediate future, but also influence the broader dynamics of the league’s pitching market this winter. As teams recalibrate for the seasons ahead, Crochet’s prowess and potential will undoubtedly be sought after, situating him as a key figure in the offseason trade landscape.