The Chicago White Sox appear poised to make a significant move this offseason, as they plan to trade talented pitcher Garrett Crochet. The decision to trade the young left-hander, renowned for his electric arm and growing arsenal, comes on the heels of what has been an impressive 2024 season. At just 25 years old, Crochet is under team control for an additional two years, making this move not only intriguing but potentially impactful across the league.
Contract Demands and Trade Rumors
Garrett Crochet's situation with the White Sox has been a topic of interest, especially after reports emerged that he demanded a contract extension as a condition to participate in the postseason. This demand might have accelerated the team's decision-making process, pushing them towards exploring trade options. A rival evaluator at the GM Meetings stated, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when." This sentiment underscores the certainty surrounding the decision to move on from Crochet, as well as the strategic considerations for the White Sox moving forward.
Performance and Potential
Crochet has been a standout in Chicago’s rotation, posting 146 innings with a solid 3.58 ERA in 2024. However, advanced metrics portray an even more compelling picture. With a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and an expected ERA of 2.83, these numbers suggest that Crochet's performance might have been even more effective than the traditional stats indicate. Additionally, his Deserved Run Average was a remarkable 2.75, highlighting his potential to excel further in the right conditions.
A significant part of Crochet's success this past season was his ability to strike out batters at an elite level, boasting a 35.1% strikeout rate among pitchers with at least 140 innings—a formidable achievement by any standard. His ability to minimize walks, tallying a mere 5.5% walk rate, further underscored his control and command on the mound.
New Weapons and Effectiveness
Crochet’s foray into expanding his repertoire was exemplified with the addition of a cutter, clocking in the low 90s, and an upper-90s sinker introduced late in the season. The sinker, in particular, became a vital instrument in his toolbox, with opponents managing only a .154 average against it. In total, he threw 50 sinkers, 36 of which came in his final three starts, illustrating his confidence and adaptability in utilizing this pitch effectively.
Interestingly, Crochet demonstrated increased proficiency against right-handed batters—a crucial asset considering the left-hander’s previous challenges in such matchups. While this attests to his growth, the White Sox's league-worst defensive showing in 2024 raises questions about how much more serviceable he could be in a defensively competent setting.
The Financial Element
Another dimension to the decision-making process could very well be financial. Crochet earned $800,000 in 2024, with projections estimating his salary to jump to $2.9 million in 2025. Given this substantial increase and the organization's need to recalibrate after a difficult season, the trade might alleviate payroll pressures while maximizing Crochet's current value.
A Road Back from Injury
It's also worth noting Crochet's journey back from adversity. Having missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, his resilience and rapid return to form have been particularly commendable. Many young pitchers struggle to regain their edge post-surgery, but Crochet's stellar metrics post-recovery serve as a testament to his athletic prowess and determination.
Ultimately, while the decision to trade Garrett Crochet might be laden with uncertainty and emotional complexity, the prospect presents an intriguing narrative for both Crochet and the White Sox. Teams across the league will likely watch closely as negotiations unfold. For Crochet, the trade could be an opportunity to further flourish and solidify his place as one of the most promising young arms in baseball, albeit on a different stage.