White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet came into 2024 looking to make the move from the bullpen to the rotation. Not only will he break camp as a starter, but the Sox announced that Crochet will take the ball on Opening Day.
Crochet, 25 in June, has taken an unusual and winding road to get here. He served mostly in a swing role at the University of Tennessee, logging 63 2/3 innings in 2018 across 17 outings, six of which were starts. The following year, he threw 65 frames over 18 outings, six of which were starts. In 2020, he was slowed by some arm soreness and made just one start of 3 1/3 innings before the season was shut down by the Covid pandemic.
Despite the fairly limited workload, Crochet was hitting 100 miles per hour with his fastball with a strong slider and changeup to match. The Sox believed in him enough that they nabbed him in the first round, 11th overall, in the 2020 draft. They didn’t hesitate to push him to the majors, as he was up with the Sox by the middle of September that year, debuting at the age of 21. He tossed six innings out of the Chicago bullpen and then another 2/3 of an inning in the postseason, all scoreless, though he was shut down in the playoffs with some forearm tightness.
In 2021, he got to make a more proper major league debut, though stayed in the bullpen all year. He tossed 54 1/3 innings with a 2.82 earned run average. His 11.7% walk rate was a bit high but he also struck out 28.3% of batters faced. He added another 2 1/3 innings in the playoffs. There were some rumblings about moving him to the rotation going into 2022 but it became something of a moot point when the lefty required Tommy John surgery in April of 2022, wiping out that entire season for him.
Crochet returned to the club in May of 2023 and was kept in relief, understandable given his long layoff. He made 10 appearances before landing on the injured list in mid-June due to some shoulder inflammation. He stayed on the shelf for three months, returning in the middle of September to make three more appearances. He finished the year with a 3.55 ERA in 12 2/3 innings.
Throughout all of those twists and turns, Crochet maintained he wanted to try his hand at a rotation job someday. The Sox let him get stretched out here in spring and he has responded well, having tossed nine official innings, all scoreless. He struck out 12 batters without walking any, allowing seven hits. It seems he has impressed the Chicago brass enough that they will give him the ball on Opening Day, when he will make his first major league start. Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, this will be just the ninth time in the past 110 years that a pitcher makes his first career start on Opening Day, just the third in the past 80 years and just the second in the past 43 years.
That’s at least partially a reflection of the rotation situation for the White Sox. They recently traded Dylan Cease, who was previously in line to be the club’s Opening Day starter, to the Padres. That was the latest in a series of moves that subtracted from the club’s starting depth. Both Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn were traded at last year’s deadline when they were impending free agents, while Mike Clevinger stayed through the 2023 campaign but eventually departed via free agency. Michael Kopech, who started 27 games for the Sox, was recently moved to the bullpen after a frustrating season.
That leaves Crochet in a rotation mix that will also include some offseason pickups. Erick Fedde was signed to a two-year deal after a strong season in the KBO. Chris Flexen got a one-year deal as the Sox hope for a bounceback after he had poor results in 2023. Michael Soroka was acquired from Atlanta in the trade that sent Aaron Bummer the other way.
That leaves one spot open for someone else. Nick Nastrini, acquired in the Lynn trade, has had an impressive spring. He’s allowed just one earned run in 11 innings but isn’t yet on the 40-man roster. Jake Eder is on the roster but has been slowed by shoulder soreness and hasn’t thrown in an official spring game. Jairo Iriarte also has a roster spot but he was reassigned to minor league camp by the Padres before coming over to the Sox in the Cease trade. Jared Shuster is also on the roster but was optioned by the Sox yesterday.
The Sox also have veterans like Chad Kuhl, Brad Keller and Jake Woodford in camp as non-roster invitees but could also look outside the organization for help. While they won’t be splurging on someone like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, they were recently linked to free agent Michael Lorenzen and the open market still features guys like Clevinger, Noah Syndergaard, Johnny Cueto, Zack Greinke and others.
However it looks on Opening Day, it will likely change throughout the year. Soroka and Flexen are both impending free agents, making them candidates to be on the trading block this summer while the Sox are expected to be out of contention. The same could be true of Fedde, who will have a year and a half left on his deal a few months from now.
Crochet, meanwhile, will surely hit a workload limit at some point. Thanks to his injuries and working out of the bullpen, he has just 73 innings of major league experience. Since he was hurried to the majors after being drafted in 2020 when the minor leagues were cancelled, he’s hardly thrown on the farm either. His 12 1/3 innings while on rehab assignments last year are the totality of his minor league experience.
His time with Tennessee amounted to just 132 innings over three years. When combining that with his major and minor league work, it adds up to just 217 1/3 innings over the past six years. Tacking on his three playoff innings gets him to 220 1/3. That includes just 25 innings last year between the majors and minors and none the year before. That will make it essentially impossible for him to shoulder a full starter’s workload here in 2024, so the Sox will presumably have to make a decision about shutting it down at some point, with an eye on Crochet then pushing further in 2025.
Despite that lack of workload, Crochet has over three years of service time and avoided arbitration by agreeing to a salary of $800K for 2024. He’ll slated for two more arbitration seasons and would hit free agency after 2026 if he’s not optioned to the minors for an extended stretch of time between now and then. The lefty has been clear that moving to the rotation is a personal goal of his but he will also be in line for larger earnings if he makes the transition successfully. Assuming he does indeed reach the open market after 2026, he’ll be entering his age-28 season in 2027.
Doug S
This the opening day starter?? And the laughs just keep coming for the Chicago Royals, err White Sox.
For Love of the Game
Opening Day opener is more like it!
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Funny you say that. The Ruyals may actually be good this year
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Royals. Combination of stupid auto correct/mistyping on my phone and the inability of MLBTR to allow post edits.
DarkSide830
This is a very Tanner Scheppers pilled idea.
Twoston
Whoa! Tanner Scheppers…that’s a name I haven’t heard in ahwile.
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Followed by Macrame and Needle Point! in the rotation
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
oh cmon, he sewed this spot up on his own & years from now he can spin a yarn with his grandkids
quonset point
What a blanket statement. Big enough for everyone to scarf down.
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Hahaha
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
@quonset, I guess you could say you got all the bases covered…
Gwynning
You could fit the baseball IQ of this thread on a pinhead. We should all know by now that Curly would just string us along…
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
This is getting awful
Alos, I still adore tbe Stooges, all of then
Armaments216
Opening Day looms large for Crochet. The rest of us should stick to our knitting.
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
“You could fit the baseball IQ of this thread on a pinhead”
Manfred was insulted by this comment, he said you could fit his IQ on a yarning needle head
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Well this conversation has become quite the thread
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Indeed it did
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Indeed lol
NoNeckWilliams
They are a close-knit bunch.
Pete'sView
And his top innings pitched in a year is 54, unless you count college, then 65 innings.
This will be an awful team to watch, except Robert Luis, jr.
acoss13
The road to 100 losses began before the season even started.
Aiden Awe
Took the over on 64 wins. 65 if they sign Lorenzen or Clevinger.
acoss13
They might, Getz has certainly been surprising so it’s not impossible. Plus, if they do sign either of them, let’s just be honest, they’ll be flipped at the deadline for prospects but they would know that going with a team that’s not competing.
DonOsbourne
It’s early, but so far, I’m way more impressed with Getz than anyone from the previous regime(s).
Aiden Awe
You’re right about them getting traded. It would help them even in a non-competing year get some innings and don’t have to use the death penalty on the bullpen til the deadline.
Aiden Awe
That’s a bold take tbh.
Gwynning
Ah c’mon, Luis Robert will be fun to watch too!
acoss13
Lol Luis Robert is all I can hang onto!
There’s also a very good chance he gets traded if some team offers Chris Getz a great deal on him so yay more tryouts lol
JoeBrady
The problem is that he is ripe for repression (and still be plenty good), and part of you is looking for a trade.
acoss13
JoeBrady
Yes, he might regress but he does have youth on his side. And yes, as much as I like Robert, there’s not going to be a need for him with the way the team is going right now, so might as well get prospects out of him and evaluate a much more replenished farm system in 2025 and 2026.
DonOsbourne
I think Dominic Fletcher could be fun to watch. Eloy could have a bounce back. And Pauly D and Nicky Lopez should form a pretty slick middle infield. The starting pitching could be brutal, but maybe Maldonado whispers and improved overall defense take some of the edge off.
Aiden Awe
They can also flip a decent bullpen arm for a prospect too at the trade deadline even if the Sox choose to keep Robert. Farm system is ranked 18th-20th but they have a much deeper system with more depth.
lesterdnightfly
That middle infield couple has the range of a …. gas range.
southern lion
LOL!
2183281
I’ve always liked Crochet. Hopefully he can stay healthy.
Jon M
Who?
Palehosed85
Garrett Crochet. Pay attention.
roob
They only lost 101 last year. Wait till this year.
BigBallsLongBat
I like it. Best stuff on the staff and nothing to lose.
fermier
I just hope that the White Sox have finally found a way to keep their players healthy.
JoeBrady
An argument, once again, for allowing kids to work thru the minor leagues. He might’ve gotten hurt anyway, but it is possible that one of his minor league pitching coaches could caught something in his delivery. But you aren’t catching anything by observing 6 IPs in AA, and another 6 in AAA.
Gwynning
Well, 2020 kinda sucked for, well, everybody? But losing MiLB that season didn’t help any of the youngsters anywhere. To your point, if I’m the Birmingham Pitching Coach then I might say something, but I certainly wouldn’t go against the grain of the MLB team/player. Cheers JB
JoeBrady
I certainly wouldn’t go against the grain of the MLB team/player.
==========================
We had this discussion at work last week. It’s my job to tell you bad news.
That said, for all the drama last year by “some” SD fans, you guys might be better now, with Soto and his $30M+ gone. My pure guess is that Soto becomes the seminal case study for WAR+Mpney.
Soto’s salary covers the cost for Cease, Matsui, King, Higgy and Go, and then some, but those 5 will produce double the WAR.
stymeedone
To make it even, 4 additional players need to be added to Soto’s side of the equation, even if at minimum salary. The benefit of having Soto is you get that production out of one roster spot, and still get the production of 4 more.
ChiSoxPain
He’ll be on the D.L. before the third inning.
Touki wasn’t available?
Oddball Hererra
Despite his name, Crochet isn’t anyone’s idea of a crafty veteran
Captain Dunsel
Yessiree Bob. Don’t say Humbug!
Unclemike1526
Crochet has the best stuff left among the starters when you remove Kopech to the bullpen. It’s not a bad choice. I’m quite sure they don’t think he’ll pitch 200 innings this year because the Sox will be shuttling starters back and forth all year. There are probably 7 0r 8 guys who will get starts this year all spread out so it doesn’t really matter who goes first.
acoss13
It’s tryouts season on the South side of Chicago this year, and probably next year too.
Unclemike1526
I thought the Sox rotation had a possibility of being sneaky good with Cease. Without him, It still can be good but it’s going to be whole year switch fest with guys who haven’t pitched a ton of Major League innings. Keys are Soroka, Crochet and Fedde. Schultz should make an appearance this year also. It can still be sneaky good because nobody is really expecting much.
Spotswood
Getting rid of Cease didn’t change the outlook of this staff. The Sox would have used 10+ guys to start regardless. Crochet isn’t going to pitch over 100 innings. And would you drop this “Schultz is going make an impact this year” BS. He pitched 27 IN at A-ball before being shut down with shoulder issues. He just started throwing again. Hasn’t thrown 1 pitch in MLB spring. On top of which, the Sox are going to put him on a cap of 65-80 IP the year.
It’s like you have no idea what you’re talking about.
mike127
and Spotswood–two years ago Schultz was in high school and didn’t pitch much then either due to illness.
I get the enthusiasm for the local kid, but Noah Schultz is still a long way from seeing the major leagues.
Unclemike1526
And if Spotswood could read I’d be offended. But since he can’t hi stalking of mre continues while he puts words in my mouth ad nauseum. All I said was Schulz would probabbly put in an appearance. He’ll probably get knocked around but everybody has to start learning sometime. Where better than on a team that isn’t going anywhere. But Spotsy keep on stalking and lying. You are boring. Have you tried ” Reading for Dummies”?
Spotswood
BJ McKay, in previous comments you’ve touted Schultz as an impact armn for the rotation.
Then…”It still can be good… Keys are Soroka, Crochet and Fedde. Schultz should make an appearance this year also. It can still be sneaky good…”
It’s called context. A very complex concept. You have a better chance of getting your GED than Schutlz has of pitching for the Sox in 2024…. and former is highly unlikely.
Post better comments, it will cut down on the time I spend correcting you.
MacGromit
65 inning career max, now starter. Throws 100.
let’s take guesses what day they announce he has dreaded elbow tightness? does he make it to the All Star break?
Braves_saints_celts
I’m 100% okay with the braves having traded soroka and shuster due to the amount of depth that we have, but I hope that that soroka for one revitalizes his career and becomes a stud again, and shuster for two becomes at least a decent back-end or middle of the rotation starter. It might sting a little if they do because we only got one reliever for them, but I understand why and how it happened, at the same time though, the White Sox aren’t the team I can envision getting them to those points, and for that, I am sad for them.
cwsOverhaul
Soroka is ready to dominate your Braves when they come to town to start April.
Braves_saints_celts
I couldn’t care less if we lose the White Sox series because all in all the braves will be playing postseason baseball while your team is sitting on the couch due to their mediocrity. Have fun with that sorka victory vs the braves though, it’ll be the closest thing to a playoff game y’all will come.
cwsOverhaul
Yes, it was a joke. WSox fans are well aware the team is bad and Braves are elite.
Braves_saints_celts
That’s all you got out of it? Fine I could care less if the braves lose the White Sox series. Happy now?
Jefferspin
I am.
YankeesBleacherCreature
I’m not sure if this is the best or worst idea ever for the White Sox.
acoss13
If it turns into a bad idea, at least it didn’t cost the team a playoff run. This is the season to throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks.
Spotswood
Opening day starter is purely symbolic. Crochet is the longest tenured guy in the rotation. So, no big deal.
As far as Crochet being a starter, like you said, no harm seeing what happens. Obviously they’ll need to be cautious and avoid extending him. Play the long game.
Johnny utah
if your opening day starter is garrett crochet, i’d sell my season tickets, light all my team gear on fire, and move out of town.
Spotswood
Who would you sell you season tickets to?
Pads Fans
Happy for Crochet.
OUCH for the White Sox.
B Thomas
Crochet has a great arm. I’d try to throw him out there for 60 pitches max over 4 innings first 5-10 starts then max him out at 80 and see where it goes. He had a perfect spring and still throws 99. This will prove him in or out at a sp and maybe mlb pitcher
SFGiantsin2023
Garrett Crochet says “thank you” to Dylan Cease.
Jump 84
Sell the team. Your fans should have better top to bottom. Nashville is calling j.r..
Pads Fans
He wants his $1 billion stadium closer to downtown Chicago.
acoss13
They had mock ups of what it would look like, I can see why Jerry Reinsdorf wants a new stadium.
Dogbone
Jerry wants, wants, wants and wants more. To me, it’s always seemed like he just expects constant handouts from the taxpayers.
If Reinsdorf didn’t INHERIT Michael Jordan when he bought the Bulls – I’m sure he (and the sleuth J Krause) would have been run out of town a long time ago.
Pads Fans
They haven’t even finished paying for the upgrades at his current ballpark and he wants $1 billion more taxpayer dollars.
Pritzker said its “not a priority” and that he is “really reluctant” to approve any funding unless there is a way to ensure taxpayers would get an ROI.
fieldofschemes.com/2024/02/27/21057/illinois-gover…
Hoping they say go pound sand. Reinsdorf can and should pay for his own ballpark.
causemonaught83
that’s one way to kick off four more years of 100 losses. Sell the team, Jerry.
Bryzzo2016
Yikes. It’s gonna be ANOTHER long summer on the south side.
MrHappy
Didn’t they just have a rebuild
sorengo99
Just when you think you can’t laugh at the White Sox any more, they leave you in stitches.
Windowpane
They are like an expansion team.
User 3014224641
Trevor is waiting!!
Sky14
Over/under 60 wins this year?
Aiden Awe
I took the over on 64 wins. 65 if they sign Lorenzen or Clevinger.
YaGottaBelieveAgain
Technically just one game but the opportunity for Crochet should potentially be a good memory. Even with a lengthy career (10+) years he may never have the chance again. Another commenter said and it is probably correct he got it based on a number of criteria including longest team seniority.
I bet the White Sox win more games than predicted. Many teams may take them for granted. They have so many new players the manager/coaches have a lot of work to do to make all the puzzle pieces fit.
Getting off to good start would help morale.
Possible team motto rallying cry
Why Not Us? or
Who are those Guys? like in Butch & Sundance
Doesn’t cost anything to think Positive.
Aiden Awe
I can see them winning 64-67 games. Still last in ALC but I want them to at least “try” unlike last year.
Riga-Tony
Kid is going to be a beast, tall lefty throwing high 90’s.
Aiden Awe
They stretched him as a starter the entire ST.
Pads Fans
He has 9 IP in spring training
southern lion
The White Sox magic number is 162.
OzzieNHarriet
It’s going to be a loooooooooong season
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Lucky for him, they are playing the …..
TIGERS
MLBTR needs to hire editors
“Meanwhile” has to come at the start of the sentence—it can’t come in the middle, separated by two commas.