As the offseason swiftly approaches, the Chicago White Sox appear to be at a critical juncture with their promising yet contentious pitcher, Garrett Crochet. The rumors swirling around Major League Baseball are gaining momentum—Crochet is on the cusp of being traded this winter. A rival evaluator at the GM Meetings even commented, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
Impressive Stats at a Glance
In 2024, Garrett Crochet showcased his prowess on the mound, pitching an impressive 146 innings. His 3.58 ERA might catch the eye of any team looking to bolster its rotation. However, delving deeper into advanced metrics, Crochet’s numbers become even more compelling. He posted a 2.69 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and an expected ERA of 2.83, indicating that his performance was not just a mirage but grounded in solid pitching fundamentals.
Crochet's strikeout rate soared to a premier 35.1% among pitchers with at least 140 innings. Even more striking was his ability to keep a tight rein on his command with a walk rate of just 5.5%. In a league often dominated by power hitters, Crochet's mix of precision and power made him stand out.
A Pitching Arsenal Expanded
Part of what made Crochet's 2024 season notable was the evolution of his pitching arsenal. The addition of a cutter, clocking in at the low 90s, and an upper-90s sinker towards the end of the season added layers to his effectiveness. Opponents struggled mightily against Crochet's sinker, managing a paltry .154 batting average against it. In total, Crochet threw 50 sinkers, 36 of which were unleashed during his final three starts, a strategic move that underscored his adaptability and growth as a pitcher.
The Defensive Dilemma
Despite Crochet’s laudable personal statistics, the White Sox as a team were statistically the worst defensive outfit in 2024. This shortcoming inevitably placed more pressure on Crochet and the pitching staff, skewing traditional metrics like ERA, which don’t fully account for the poor defensive play behind him.
The Contract Standoff
Garrett Crochet’s demands for a contract extension as a precondition for participating in the postseason add another layer of intrigue to his relationship with the organization. Such demands, while not uncommon in professional sports, can create tension between players and management, potentially accelerating trade considerations.
Financial considerations also play a role in this unfolding scenario. Crochet, whose salary was $800,000 in 2024, is projected to receive a significant raise to $2.9 million in 2025. This financial escalation comes at a time when the White Sox must evaluate their roster composition and budgetary constraints carefully.
The Road to Recovery and the Path Ahead
It's essential to recall that Crochet missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. His return and subsequent performance in 2024 are testaments to his resilience and work ethic. Few pitchers regain their pre-surgery form so effectively, but Crochet not only returned but enhanced his skills, particularly in his effectiveness against right-handed batters compared to left-handers.
As the White Sox contemplate a potential trade, other teams might see Crochet as an asset to elevate their pitching rotation. His numbers, adaptability, and the competitive drive he's shown post-surgery make him an attractive option for teams looking to invest in a high-upside arm.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the White Sox front office as they navigate the complexities of their roster dynamics. Will they retain a pitcher who has shown such promise, or will the winds of change see Crochet in a new uniform next season? Either way, the offseason promises to be anything but dull for Garrett Crochet and the Chicago White Sox.