In what is shaping up to be an offseason filled with intrigue and maneuvering, the Chicago White Sox are preparing to part ways with their notable pitching asset, Garrett Crochet. The 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, a notable figure in the White Sox's rotation, is poised for a departure that seems less a question of whether and more a matter of timing, as echoed by a rival evaluator from the GM Meetings. "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when," the evaluator affirmed, laying bare the front office’s intentions.
A Stellar 2024 Campaign
Crochet's 2024 performance was nothing short of impressive, highlighted by his pitching prowess. Logging 146 innings, he maintained a respectable 3.58 ERA. However, deeper metrics reveal Crochet's true dominance. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at an impressive 2.69, while his expected ERA was 2.83. These numbers paint the picture of a pitcher slightly overshadowed by the defensive deficiencies of his team, as the White Sox were statistically the worst defensive team of the season.
Notably, Crochet's strikeout capability was elite, leading pitchers with at least 140 innings with a striking 35.1% strikeout rate. His ability to generate swings and misses set him apart from his peers, complemented by a commendable 5.5% walk rate, which reflects his command over the mound. This balance of power and precision underscores his value and appeal to potential trade partners.
Repertoire Enhancements
The 2024 season saw Crochet diversify his pitching toolbox with new additions that bolstered his effectiveness. He introduced a cutter clocking in the low 90s and, later in the season, an upper-90s sinker that proved to be a game-changer. Opponents struggled against his sinker, managing a paltry .154 batting average. Its late introduction raised eyebrows and drew acclaim, with Crochet throwing 36 of his 50 total sinkers across his last three starts, hinting at strategic deployment when it mattered most.
Contract Dynamics
Amid Crochet's on-field successes, there have been off-field contract tensions. With Crochet demanding a contract extension as a condition to pitch in the postseason, these demands may have precipitated the decision to entertain trade scenarios. Currently with two years left under team control, Crochet earned $800,000 in the 2024 season, but his salary is projected to rise to $2.9 million in 2025, a cost the White Sox might want to leverage in potential trade discussions.
Crochet's history with injuries, including missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, may also play a role in the team's calculus. While he returned strong, the lingering risk associated with past injuries could be a factor in the organization's readiness to explore trading him.
The White Sox Perspective
The White Sox find themselves in a transitional phase, evaluating their assets in the aftermath of a disappointing season. While the decision to potentially trade a player of Crochet’s caliber could be questioned, it aligns with broader strategic imperatives to reconstruct and revitalize the roster, especially considering the team’s defensive struggles.
Crochet's effectiveness against right-handed batters, despite being a lefty, adds to his allure as a versatile pitcher capable of performing under varying lineup conditions, increasing his marketability. As the offseason progresses, the unfolding narrative will determine how the White Sox's front office navigates their options and the destination that ultimately benefits both Crochet and the organization.
For now, the baseball world waits, keenly observing how this expected move will ripple across the league and impact the White Sox's future aspirations.