In a surprising off-season development, the Chicago White Sox are reportedly preparing to trade their talented pitcher, Garrett Crochet. This move comes as a shock to some, especially given Crochet's impressive performance during the 2024 season. However, industry insiders suggest this trade is less about performance and more about contract disputes.
As one 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 inevitability of Crochet's departure in the weeks ahead.
The Make-up of a Strong Performer
Garrett Crochet, only 25, has carved a niche for himself within the White Sox's pitching rotation. His 2024 statistics paint the picture of a rising star: he logged 146 innings with a respectable 3.58 ERA. More telling of his dominance on the mound was his 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), a metric that often provides a clearer picture of a pitcher's true value by focusing on plays within their control, such as strikeouts and walks.
Crochet's anticipated and deserved run averages were equally impressive, standing at 2.83 and 2.75, respectively. These numbers were complemented by his league-leading strikeout rate of 35.1% for pitchers throwing at least 140 innings. Such prowess makes the potential trade even more puzzling for fans.
Pushing the Boundaries of His Arsenal
Adding depth to his remarkable performance, Crochet expanded his pitching toolkit during the year. Incorporating a low 90s cutter and later introducing a powerful upper-90s sinker, Crochet showcased his adaptability and dedication to improvement. The data tells a compelling story; opponents managed to hit just .154 against his sinker—a pitch featured prominently in his last three starts of the season, where it was thrown a total of 36 times out of 50.
Behind the Numbers: Defensive Woes
One factor that might have overshadowed Crochet's individual success is the Chicago White Sox's overall defensive shortcomings. Unfortunately, the team held the dubious distinction of being the league's worst defensive team in 2024, placing additional strain on their pitching staff and potentially impacting Crochet's stats.
Moreover, Crochet demonstrated a peculiar performance trend, finding more effectiveness against right-handed batters than left-handed ones, which sometimes prompted strategic shifts in defensive positioning. Nevertheless, these dynamics did not dampen his consistency on the mound.
Contract Discontent and Future Prospects
Despite his strong season, Crochet's relationship with the White Sox has been strained over contract issues. He demanded a contract extension in exchange for participating in the postseason, a condition that might have played a role in the organization's decision to consider trading him.
In 2024, Crochet earned $800,000 with the projection for his 2025 salary jumping to $2.9 million. This financial aspect contributes to the White Sox's deliberations, as managing player finances is always a crucial component of modern baseball strategy.
It's also worth noting that Crochet's journey with the White Sox has not been without its challenges. He missed the entire 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, an absence that typically demands significant resilience for pitchers aiming to return to top form. His comeback has proven successful, undoubtedly adding value to any future negotiations.
With the anticipation of a trade involving Garrett Crochet becoming more of a reality, both White Sox fans and baseball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds. For the White Sox, it's a delicate balance of maximizing value in an offseason move, while for Crochet, it's an opportunity to potentially shine with a new team that can support his talents both defensively and contractually. As the offseason rolls on, the timing and terms of this trade will likely become clearer, setting the stage for a significant shift in the team's rotation and Crochet's bright career trajectory.