White Sox to Trade Garrett Crochet: A Major Offseason Move
White Sox to Trade Garrett Crochet: A Major Offseason Move
As the MLB offseason looms, the Chicago White Sox appear poised to make a significant decision. The franchise is reportedly planning to trade pitcher Garrett Crochet, a move that will undoubtedly stir the baseball landscape. Sources from within the industry note that trading Crochet is not speculative; as one rival evaluator mentioned at the GM Meetings, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
Crochet, a 25-year-old pitcher in the White Sox's rotation, still has two years left under team control. Over the past season, he established himself as a standout asset, compiling impressive stats. Crochet pitched 146 innings in 2024, achieving an ERA of 3.58. However, advanced metrics paint an even brighter picture. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at 2.69, while his expected ERA was 2.83, and he recorded a deserved run average of 2.75. Such numbers have positioned him as one of the most effective pitchers with over 140 innings pitched last season, boasting a league-leading strikeout rate of 35.1% and a commendable 5.5% walk rate.
An Arsenal of Pitches
Crochet's arsenal is nothing short of a pitcher's dream. A highlight of his 2024 season was the introduction of a cutter in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker late in the campaign. His sinker, thrown only 50 times in total with 36 in his last three starts, proved almost untouchable, with opponents batting a mere .154 against it. Such innovations in his pitching routine were integral in keeping opposing batters at bay, particularly right-handed batters, whom he dominated more effectively than left-handed hitters.
However, this performance, and his demands, may have contributed to the looming trade decision. Crochet, known for his ambition and competitive nature, demanded a contract extension as a prerequisite for pitching in the postseason. This move could have strained his relationship with the franchise, hastening the decision to trade him during the offseason.
Financial Implications
Complicating matters is the financial aspect of Crochet's career in Chicago. He earned $800,000 in 2024, but with his projected salary set to rise to $2.9 million in 2025, the team's considerations around budget and future planning come into focus. Crochet's history also plays a role; he missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery but has since worked diligently to reclaim his status as a top-tier pitcher.
White Sox: Defensive Challenges
While Crochet excelled on the mound, the White Sox as a team faced struggles, statistically finishing 2024 as the worst defensive team in baseball. This likely placed additional pressure on their pitchers, including Crochet, making defensive improvements a key objective for the franchise moving forward. Trading a high-value player like Crochet might provide the White Sox with opportunities to bolster their lineup and address these glaring defensive issues.
In the end, the anticipated trade of Garrett Crochet signals a pivotal moment for both the player and the organization. As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how this move unfolds and what the White Sox receive in return. Whether their strategy pays off will depend on how they capitalize on this trade in their rebuilding efforts and address foundational weaknesses highlighted during the 2024 season.
