As the offseason approaches, the Chicago White Sox have found themselves at a pivotal juncture regarding their pitching rotation. Central to the discussions is Garrett Crochet, a young and formidable left-handed pitcher who has become a staple in the White Sox's lineup. The whispers around the baseball world suggest that the team is prepared to part ways with their talent over the winter, as it becomes increasingly apparent that "it's not a matter of if. It's a question of when," according to a rival evaluator at the GM Meetings.
A Star on the Rise
At just 25 years old, Garrett Crochet has made an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. This past season, he showcased his prowess with 146 innings pitched, boasting a 3.58 ERA. Moreover, his advanced metrics paint an even rosier picture: with a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 2.69 and an expected ERA of 2.83, it's evident that his performance was not merely a result of good fortune.
Crochet's deserved run average of 2.75 in 2024 further underscores his effectiveness on the mound. With a strikeout rate of 35.1%, leading all pitchers who pitched at least 140 innings, and a walk rate of just 5.5%, Crochet combines power and precision in a manner that is rare for a player of his experience.
Innovation and Adaptation
In 2024, Crochet demonstrated a willingness to evolve as a pitcher. He introduced a cutter to his arsenal, a pitch that hovers in the low 90s, augmenting his already formidable repertoire. Late in the season, he unveiled an upper-90s sinker that proved to be particularly effective, holding opponents to a meager .154 batting average. Crochet utilized this pitch sparingly, throwing just 50 sinkers in total, but employed it heavily in his last three starts, highlighting its effectiveness and potential for development.
The Offseason Dilemma
Despite these accomplishments, tensions between Crochet and the White Sox have been simmering. Before he would agree to pitch in the postseason, Crochet demanded a contract extension, a move that may have strained relations with the front office. With two years remaining under team control, the White Sox are faced with a decision: meet Crochet's demands or capitalize on his trade value.
Financial considerations play a role as well. Crochet earned $800,000 in 2024, but his salary is projected to rise to $2.9 million in 2025. While this is a substantial increase, it remains a bargain for a pitcher of his caliber. However, the White Sox's willingness to trade him suggests that they might not be prepared to engage in further contract negotiations.
The Defensive Factor
Crochet's individual success stands in stark contrast to the overall performance of the White Sox in 2024. Statistically, they were the worst defensive team in baseball, a factor that likely impacted Crochet's decisions. His effectiveness was notably higher against right-handed batters compared to left-handed ones, indicating a unique adaptability that may have been underutilized given the team's struggles.
Having missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, Crochet's comeback has been nothing short of inspiring. Yet, as the offseason unfolds, the possibility of seeing him don a different uniform in 2025 grows ever stronger.
In sum, the White Sox are at a crossroads. How they navigate their relationship with Garrett Crochet in this offseason will likely be a defining factor for the team's future. As the trajectory of negotiations becomes clearer, all eyes will remain on Chicago, as fans and analysts alike await the next move in this unfolding narrative.