The Chicago White Sox are reportedly poised to make a significant move during the upcoming offseason by trading one of their prized pitchers, Garrett Crochet. The decision to part ways with the left-handed ace, who is 25 years old and still under team control for two more years, signals a potentially pivotal change for the franchise. As one rival evaluator at the GM Meetings candidly remarked, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
Garrett Crochet's tenure with the White Sox has been noteworthy, especially coming off a stellar 2024 season. He pitched 146 innings, maintaining a commendable 3.58 ERA. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) was a striking 2.69, and his expected ERA stood at 2.83, underscoring his effectiveness on the mound. Furthermore, he posted a superb deserved run average of 2.75. Leading pitchers who logged at least 140 innings, Crochet dominated with an impressive 35.1% strikeout rate, while keeping his walk rate down to 5.5%.
Crochet's development was evident as he expanded his pitching repertoire. He introduced a cutter in the low 90s and unveiled an upper-90s sinker late in the season. This strategic addition proved fruitful, with opponents managing only a .154 batting average against the sinker. He utilized it particularly effectively in the final stretch, throwing 36 of his 50 total sinkers over his last three starts.
Despite such bright spots, the White Sox faced significant challenges as a team, being statistically the worst defensive squad in 2024. Crochet's individual excellence was not enough to offset the broader team issues, which may have contributed to the decision to explore trading him.
Another layer to this unfolding story is Crochet's stance on contract negotiations. He had reportedly demanded a contract extension as a prerequisite to participating in the postseason. In 2024, Crochet earned $800,000, but projections estimated his salary could increase to $2.9 million in 2025, indicating a substantial pay raise reflective of his talent and potential market value. The push for an extension and the subsequent trade considerations suggest a disconnect between the player's expectations and the team's strategic direction.
Crochet's journey has not been without its hurdles. He missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, yet his comeback has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to bounce back and deliver such strong performances is testament to both his resilience and skill.
Statistically, Crochet demonstrated particular adeptness against right-handed batters compared to left-handed ones. His nuanced approach and adaptability on the mound have made him a valuable asset, adding intrigue to how other teams may view his potential impact within their rotations.
The offseason ahead will be telling for both Garrett Crochet and the Chicago White Sox. The trade speculations now swirling around the young pitcher may lead to shifts not only within the team but also across the league, as franchises assess the potential benefits of adding a pitcher of Crochet's caliber to their rosters. As the league waits for official moves, the narrative surrounding Crochet's future continues to capture the attention of analysts and fans alike.