The winds of change are blowing through the Windy City, and Garrett Crochet finds himself at the center of the storm. As the offseason looms, the Chicago White Sox are reportedly planning to trade the promising pitcher, despite his stellar performance in the 2024 season. The decision, described by one rival evaluator at the GM meetings as a certainty, raises questions about the future direction of the franchise and the role Crochet might play in it, should circumstances evolve.
A Season to Remember
Garrett Crochet's 2024 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. The 25-year-old southpaw delivered 146 innings with an impressive 3.58 ERA. Yet, that statistic only scratches the surface of his achievements. Crochet's Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at a stellar 2.69, while his expected ERA was a promising 2.83. Even more telling of his effectiveness on the mound was his deserved run average of 2.75 – an indication of his true form independent of fielding errors by what was statistically the worst defensive team in the major leagues in 2024.
Undoubtedly, Crochet's arsenal has expanded and evolved, adding a layer of complexity for hitters to unravel. During the season, he introduced a cutter in the low 90s and notably, an upper-90s sinker late in the year. Opposing batters struggled massively against his sinker, managing an anemic .154 batting average. Crochet threw 50 sinkers over the season, with 36 in his last three starts, showcasing his comfort and confidence in using it as a go-to weapon.
Strikeouts were, perhaps, the hallmark of Crochet's 2024 performance. Leading pitchers with at least 140 innings, he boasted a commanding 35.1% strikeout rate, paired with an admirable 5.5% walk rate. Crochet showed a particular prowess against right-handed batters, a reverse from the typical left-handed pitcher, making him an unusual and valuable asset in any rotation.
The Contractual Standoff
Despite these highlights, off-field dynamics added complexity to the narrative. Crochet is under team control for two more years, yet 2024 saw him demanding a contract extension as a precondition to participate in the postseason. It's a stark reminder of the sometimes-contentious nature of player-team relationships, particularly when a player’s performance underscores their long-term value.
Crochet earned $800,000 in 2024, with projections suggesting a salary increase to $2.9 million in 2025. The disparity between his current financial compensation and the market value of his on-field contributions might have influenced his demand for an extension. The White Sox, however, seem poised to sidestep the negotiations, focusing instead on trade possibilities this offseason.
The Road Ahead
For now, Crochet's future with the White Sox hangs in the balance. His ability to bounce back from missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery underscores his resilience and value, features that are sure to captivate potential suitors should trade talks materialize. The imminent question for White Sox management is not just when to trade Crochet, but at what cost and gain, both in terms of roster configuration and the message it sends to the fan base.
The decision reflects broader strategic considerations, possibly hinting at a rebuilding phase or a shift in operational dynamics within the franchise. For Crochet, it represents a pivotal moment that could define the next chapter of his career – whether he anchors a new pitching rotation elsewhere or stays to witness (or contribute to) an unexpected continuation of his story in Chicago.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the South Side of Chicago, watching a high-stakes narrative develop that could alter the landscape of the team's future. Whether Crochet suits up in the White Sox pinstripes next season or takes his talents to a new city, his 2024 performance has undeniably set the stage for what's next. "It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when," echoes the sentiments within baseball circles, as the wait for the inevitable trade goes on.