(670 The Score) White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet on Friday neither confirmed nor denied multiple reports that he’ll refuse to pitch in October if he’s traded to a contender and doesn’t get a contract extension.
On Thursday, news broke that Crochet and his agency CAA want a contract extension for him in short order if he’s traded to a contending team. If he doesn’t get that, the threat put forth is that he won’t pitch in the playoffs as he has already compiled a career-high workload in his first season as a starter in the big leagues and wants to protect himself in case of injury.
Beyond that, Crochet has no interest in moving to the bullpen temporarily, a role that many suitors were interested in having him fill in a playoff setting. Crochet is under contract through 2026.
“No comment,” he said when asked about the reports. “Right now, I’m just focused on pitching for the White Sox.”
The MLB-worst White Sox had seemed likely to trade the 25-year-old Crochet before the deadline next Tuesday, as he would likely be the most talented pitcher available in a market that has more buyers than sellers. His threat to not pitch in October without a big financial commitment from his new team has altered the dynamic to the extent that many across the industry now expect he’ll remain with the White Sox for at least a few more months.
Crochet has been one of the most dominant starters in MLB in 2024, posting a 3.07 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 21 starts while striking out 12.7 batters per nine innings. He has thrown 111 1/3 innings this season. He had logged just 73 total innings in his MLB career before 2024.
“At this point, I’ve exceeded any expectations that I had,” Crochet said when asked if he had a certain number of starts in mind before the season.
Crochet also explained why he believes remaining a starter without an adjustment in role is best for him.
“Just like the structure of, I think, has just added a lot of benefits to my health,” Crochet said.
Crochet is scheduled to start for the White Sox on Sunday, when they host the Mariners.