In a surprising twist within the Major League Baseball world, Garrett Crochet, the promising young pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, finds himself on the trading block this offseason. According to rival evaluators present at the General Manager Meetings, "they're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when."
The Road to the Trade Block
The 25-year-old southpaw, who had been a cornerstone of the White Sox’s pitching rotation, reportedly demanded a contract extension in exchange for participating in the postseason this past year. Despite having two more years of team control, the White Sox seem inclined to part ways with their standout pitcher.
Crochet's on-field performance in 2024 certainly turns heads and raises brows. He pitched 146 innings with a solid 3.58 ERA, but advanced metrics suggest he was even better. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at an impressive 2.69, while his expected ERA was 2.83, and his deserved run average was 2.75. These figures place him among the elite pitchers, outperforming expectations with a notable display of skill and precision.
Dominance on the Mound
Crochet's skill set is marked by an astounding ability to strike out opponents, leading pitchers who logged at least 140 innings in 2024 with a 35.1% strikeout rate. His new arsenal additions, including a cutter in the low 90s and an upper-90s sinker introduced late in the season, have added formidable tools to his repertoire. His sinker was especially effective, limiting opponents to a measly .154 batting average, backed by a strategic deployment of 50 sinkers — 36 of those in his last three outings.
Moreover, Crochet maintained an admirable 5.5% walk rate, further underscoring his command on the mound. His ability to stymie right-handed batters more effectively than left-handed batters, despite facing one of the statistically worst defensive teams in 2024, reflects on his personal tenacity and adaptability.
The Financial Aspect
Financial considerations have emerged as a possible factor in the potential trade. Crochet earned $800,000 in 2024, but his salary is projected to climb significantly to $2.9 million in 2025, a steep increase that the White Sox might be hesitant to accommodate given their long-term financial strategy.
Crochet’s history of overcoming adversity, such as missing the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, has perhaps contributed to his sense of urgency for a contract extension. The White Sox, ostensibly looking to cut costs or reallocate resources, might see trading Crochet as the most viable solution.
A New Journey Ahead?
Should Crochet indeed be traded, his departure would mark the end of a brief but impactful tenure with the White Sox. His combination of raw talent, newly refined pitching techniques, and potential growth make him an alluring option for many teams in search of a left-handed ace with upside.
The move, while controversial among fans and analysts alike, may herald a new chapter for both Crochet and the White Sox. As the baseball offseason unfolds, industry insiders and enthusiasts will closely watch to see where Garrett Crochet's talents will take him next.