SAN ANTONIO (670 The Score) – With 25-year-old left-hander Garrett Crochet on the trade market, White Sox general manager Chris Getz is arguably the busiest executive at the GM Meetings this week.
There has been “a ton of interest in him from other clubs,” Getz said Tuesday, and the White Sox have a good idea of what they’re looking for in a potential trade.
“We are focusing on position player return,” Getz said. “That is our primary focus in any trade talks. The right players have to be there. We can't force anything. We certainly need to improve our offense. That is very clear. That is what we need to do in any trade or free-agent acquisition.”
The White Sox averaged an MLB-worst 3.1 runs per game while setting an MLB record for futility with 121 loss in 2024. As the White Sox’s rebuild continues, getting a trade of Crochet right is a key component of their vision.
Crochet posted a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 146 innings across 32 starts in 2024, when he was named an All-Star in his first season as a starter in the big leagues. He also struck out 12.9 batters per nine innings.
Crochet was on a pitch count each start after the All-Star break as the White Sox prioritized his health and reduced his workload. He didn’t throw more than 62 pitches in any outing after Aug. 9.
In Crochet, rival teams see a potential No. 1 starter who will be one of the most affordable pitchers in baseball for the next two years. The arbitration-eligible Crochet is projected to make $2.9 million in 2025, according to MLB Trade Rumors. He’s under contract control through 2026.
“You want to get the highest return for your club,” Getz said. “Some organizations’ top talent is much different than others. We have spent a lot of time and resources studying other teams' farm systems. Garrett had an outstanding year, so as much as other teams are interested, I can also see him making an Opening Day start for us as well.”
Although Getz teased the idea that Crochet could still be on the White Sox to begin the 2025 season, that remains a long shot. The White Sox don’t project to be a playoff contender across the next two seasons, so there’s little logic in retaining Crochet, and those across the industry fully expect that he’ll be traded this offseason.
“My job is to look at the roster and make moves that will ensure long-term health for the organization,” Getz said. “I have been very transparent with teams when talking about our player's availability. I hope that helps us have good communication with the teams we match up with in hopes of making our franchise stronger.”
Crochet was close to being dealt to a National League team ahead of the trade deadline this past summer. The two clubs were in agreement on two minor league players who would go back to the White Sox, but the conversations fell apart when they disagreed about a third prospect who would head to the South Side, sources said.
Crochet himself also complicated matters leading up to the trade deadline by declaring he wanted a contract extension if he was to pitch in the playoffs for a new team, and he also wanted to remain a starter.
“There is a long list of teams that have expressed interest in Garrett," Getz said. “That is not surprising considering what he accomplished last year. We will continue to have those conversations. If there is a match, we will be ready. There are more teams showing interest now (than at the trade deadline). It's a different time of the year when no one is forced by a date.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.