As the Major League Baseball offseason approaches, one player's future is becoming a heated topic of discussion: Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. The 25-year-old pitcher is at the center of not only the team's plans but also of potential trade talks that are beginning to swirl around the league. According to an insider from the recent GM Meetings, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
The White Sox appear ready to part ways with Crochet during this offseason, despite the promising young player still being under team control for two more years. His rapid rise and recent demands for a contract extension in exchange for postseason participation have made him a focal point for discussions both inside and outside the organization. Crochet, who earned $800,000 in 2024 with his salary projected to soar to $2.9 million in 2025, is poised to become a big player financially, further motivating the White Sox to evaluate their options.
Crochet’s Dominant 2024 Performance
In the 2024 season, Garrett Crochet made a compelling case for being one of the White Sox's most effective pitchers. Over an impressive 146 innings, he maintained a 3.58 ERA, bolstered by advanced metrics such as a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and an expected ERA of 2.83. His deserved run average also came in at an impressive 2.75. These numbers are a testament to his ability to manage games deftly from the mound.
What truly set Crochet apart, however, was his staggering strikeout rate. Leading pitchers who threw at least 140 innings, he recorded a phenomenal 35.1% strikeout rate. This dominant performance was complemented by a disciplined 5.5% walk rate, showcasing his control and precision when facing hitters. Add to this his effectiveness against right-handed batters over left-handed ones, and Crochet emerges as a formidable pitcher ready to bolster any rotation.
New Arsenal, New Dimensions
In 2024, Crochet broadened his pitching repertoire by introducing a cutter that clocks in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker added later in the season. His sinker, in particular, proved to be a game-changer. Opponents managed just a .154 batting average against it—a testament to its efficacy and its role in elevating Crochet’s game. Although he employed it sparingly, with just 50 thrown throughout the year and 36 appearing in the final three starts, the sinker has signaled a new dimension to an already impressive array of pitches.
Defensive Concerns and Future Directions
Yet, Crochet’s success came in spite of playing behind a statistically poor defensive unit. The White Sox were noted as the worst defensive team in the league for 2024, which invariably placed additional pressure on their pitchers to deliver with precision. Nonetheless, Crochet managed to shine, albeit in adverse conditions.
As the offseason progresses, the White Sox’s decision on Crochet will undoubtedly be closely watched. With a return to form following Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, Crochet has reestablished himself as a top-tier pitching talent. The coming months will reveal whether the White Sox can capitalize on his rising trajectory within their own rebuilding efforts or if they will seek trade suitors to maximize his market value in bolstering other areas of their roster.
Garrett Crochet, with his evident talent and potential, finds himself on a critical path. The winter holds many questions, and whether his journey continues in Chicago or he finds a new home will have significant implications not only for the player but for the balance of power in Major League Baseball. As it stands, his combination of youth, skill, and upside makes him a tantalizing asset in this offseason's hot stove action.