The Chicago White Sox started their season with a 1-0 loss, but rookie general manager Chris Getz was encouraged by the performance of Garrett Crochet in his first career start. Crochet threw six strong innings against the Detroit Tigers, showcasing his potential as a starter. The White Sox have undergone significant changes in their pitching staff, with a focus on developing young talent and creating opportunities for new faces.
This season marks a development year for the White Sox, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 101-loss season under rookie manager Pedro Grifol. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s budget has influenced a payroll reduction to $123.8 million, down from $181.2 million in 2023, ranking the team 20th in payroll. Despite the lower budget, the White Sox are committed to building a competitive team with a mix of established players and up-and-coming talent.
While the White Sox’s lineup features familiar names like Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez, Andrew Vaughn, and Andrew Benintendi, the pitching staff has been completely overhauled. Veterans such as Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, and Lance Lynn have departed, making room for a new cast of pitchers eager to make their mark. This new approach reflects Getz’s vision for the team and his commitment to building a strong rotation for the future.
Garrett Crochet, a former first-round pick, is a prime example of the White Sox’s focus on developing young pitchers. After starting his career as a high-leverage reliever, Crochet impressed in spring training and earned a spot in the starting rotation. His performance on Opening Day showcased his potential, with 40 four-seam fastballs averaging 97.6 mph and setting the tone for the game. Crochet’s strong outing bodes well for the White Sox’s rotation, which lacks experienced starters but has potential.
Veteran pitchers Erick Fedde and Chris Flexen have also joined the White Sox, adding depth and experience to the rotation. Fedde, a former first-round pick, reinvented himself pitching in Korea before returning to the MLB. Flexen, who had a breakout season in 2021, is looking to build on his success with the White Sox. Additionally, the team acquired Michael Soroka in a trade with the Braves, adding a young, talented pitcher with significant potential.
Overall, the White Sox’s pitching staff represents a new era for the team, with a focus on developing young talent, adding experienced veterans, and creating opportunities for players to prove themselves. With a mix of established stars and emerging talent, the White Sox are poised to make strides in the 2024 season and beyond. It remains to be seen how this new-look rotation will fare, but early signs suggest that the team is heading in the right direction, with pitching depth and potential for growth.
