Chicago White Sox: Where Do The Prospects Land In MLB’s Top 100?

56. Garrett Crochet

Crochet made a great first impression late in the season after an injury to Evan Marshall forced the White Sox to break the emergency glass and promote him to the big leagues. The southpaw from Tennessee had yet to throw a professional pitch before being thrust into the big leagues in the midst of a playoff push. That is no easy task but Crochet was up to the challenge. In six regular-season appearances, he fired six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, no walks and only allowed three hits.

He was called upon in the White Sox do or die postseason game and struck out the only two hitters he faced before exiting with an apparent forearm strain. It was revealed during Rick Hahn’s end of the season press conference that he would be ready for the upcoming season. The only question that remains for Crochet is where does he fit on the roster.

Crochet was drafted 11th overall with the hopes that he would become a starting pitcher in the future. However, Crochet performed amicably during his time out of the pen in 2020.  This was mostly due to the fact he has all the tools to be an effective late-innings reliever. His fastball ranges anywhere from 96-102 mph with a high spin rate. According to MLB.com, a Baseball America poll of MLB scouting selected Crochet’s fastball as the best coming out of college.  To complement his fastball he also throws an above-average changeup and a solid slider. These are all the qualities of a high powered relief pitcher that can rack up lots of strikeouts.

It is likely that he will be used in the bullpen. However, White Sox Player Development Director Chris Getz left the door open for Crochet to start some games. He said in an interview with MLB Network Radio “We view him as a long term starter. Now, What’s the plan to get there for 2021 and 2022? Probably a little bit of bullpen, perhaps a couple of starts.”