White Sox: Potential roles for Garrett Crochet in 2021

White Sox could option Crochet to Triple-A

Of course, the more traditional and safe approach to Garrett Crochet’s development would be to stick him in the minors and wait until he is ready.

But Crochet is a different case. He made his big-league debut, he has pitched in the major leagues a bit and had moderate success. In six relief innings in the 2020 regular season, he struck out eight ,allowing three hits with no walks. Yes, it is a small sample size, but six scoreless innings with eight Ks is something to build from.

On the other hand, fears of rushing him have been growing, especially after his early departure from the Wild Card Series. After nine pitches and striking out Matt Olson and Khris Davis, Crochet left due to some tightness in his forearm. It was clear something was up when his velocity was dipping.

Fortunately, Crochet says he is 100% and is healthy for the 2021 season. That being said, with his history of shoulder issues to go along with this forearm tightness, it might be a sign to let Crochet go through the traditional path of minors to majors, despite already debuting.

The White Sox have been known to send top prospects back down to the minors despite already having made their big league debut. Lucas Giolito and Yoan Moncada both debuted before they were acquired in 2016, but started their White Sox careers with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights.

Of course the only difference between the three would be the fact that Crochet wore the black and gray already.