The Chicago White Sox have made the bold move of adding 2020 draftee Garrett Crochet to the active roster. The team on Chicago’s south side recently clinched a spot in the 2020 playoffs and are using the security of that victory to get an early look at a top pitcher in the system. This is a risky move but one with very little downside given the White Sox’s performance this year. NBC Chicago’s Vinnie Duber reported the move early Friday afternoon.
Rick Hahn says that Garrett Crochet has joined the Sox active roster.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) September 18, 2020
White Sox Add Garrett Crochet to Roster
Crochet was one of the best pitchers in the 2020 draft pool. He is a left-handed pitcher listed at 6’6″, 218-pounds. His frame gave him tremendous leverage with his fastball, which often lived in the upper-90s. Velocity is particularly attractive in a left-handed thrower so there is a lot to like about Crochet’s profile. He also has a solid slider and a very good changeup. Overall. Crochet has the tools to develop as a number one starter in the majors but he will probably throw in relief this season. The team won’t want to risk injuring one of its best prospects after a stunted college season and lack of playing time at its alternate site.
What This Means for the Future
This is a low-risk, high-reward move for Chicago. Crochet is obviously inexperienced but he played in the ultra-competitive SEC in college. He also has many of the tools necessary to succeed right now. Assuming he does indeed join the bullpen, Crochet would help support one of the best relief units in baseball. The White Sox are seventh in reliever WAR on FanGraphs with 2.5 collective WAR. The newest member of the White Sox won’t be asked to do much but he will get an early taste of September baseball. That sort of experience could prove invaluable going into 2021 regardless of where Crochet ends up in Chicago’s farm system.
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