Garrett Crochet: A Pitching Ace Facing an Uncertain Future
As the Chicago White Sox enter an offseason brimming with uncertainty, one storyline seems to stand out above the others. Left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, a promising yet complex figure within the team's rotation, is reportedly on the brink of being traded. "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when," notes a rival evaluator at the GM Meetings. For White Sox management, the decision to move Crochet comes with its own set of challenges and implications for the future.
A Season of Remarkable Performances
Crochet's 2024 campaign showcased a pitcher at the peak of his powers. Although he missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, Crochet rebounded with an impressive 146 innings pitched, registering a 3.58 ERA. His advanced metrics, however, painted an even brighter picture of his talents. With a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 2.69, an expected ERA of 2.83, and a deserved run average of 2.75, Crochet clearly demonstrated his skill and value on the mound.
His effectiveness was bolstered by a diverse pitching arsenal. Crochet led pitchers with at least 140 innings in 2024 in strikeout rate, boasting a dazzling 35.1% mark while maintaining a commendably low walk rate of 5.5%. The addition of a low-90s cutter and an upper-90s sinker, introduced late in the season, gave him an edge over competitors, especially against right-handed batters. Opponents struggled to make contact with his new sinker, hitting a mere .154 when facing it.
Trade Rumors Brewing
Despite Crochet's achievements on the field, off-field dynamics are driving trade considerations. With two years remaining under team control and a salary projected to leap from $800,000 in 2024 to $2.9 million in 2025, the White Sox face difficult decisions amid contract disputes. Crochet's reported demand for a contract extension before pitching in the postseason has created friction within the organization. The demand for security and recognition clashes with the White Sox's efforts to reshape their roster after a dismal season.
The decision to part ways with Crochet is further complicated by his role as a valuable asset. At just 25, Crochet offers any potential team both immediate impact and long-term promise. However, with the White Sox statistically ranking as the worst defensive team in 2024, there seems to be a pressing need to reallocate resources to improve other aspects of the roster.
Future Implications
For Crochet, a trade could mean a fresh start and an opportunity to pitch for a contender with better defensive support. His stats are already impressive given the context of the team’s defensive struggles, hinting at even greater potential performance with enhanced backing behind him. Whether Crochet lands in a setting that elevates his game further remains to be seen, but the prospect is tantalizing for teams in need of a left-handed power pitcher.
The White Sox, on the other hand, face the daunting task of navigating the trade market to ensure they receive fair value for their budding star. Balancing immediate needs with long-term growth will be crucial as they strive to right the ship after a challenging season.
Conclusion
As rumors continue to swirl, Garrett Crochet remains a center of attention within league circles this offseason. His combination of age, talent, and contract control makes him one of the most intriguing players on the potential trade block. For now, the White Sox must determine whether to hold onto their burgeoning ace or to embrace change in hopes of broader team success. One thing is certain: wherever Crochet's path leads next, his performance in 2024 laid down a firm marker of his potential as one of the game's premier pitchers.