The Chicago White Sox bullpen was dealt a crushing blow on Friday. Rick Hahn announced that Garrett Crochet is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery ending his season before it even began. Crochet has proven to be one of the White Sox’s most effective relievers.
The hard-throwing left-hander burst onto the scene in 2020. After being selected 11th overall in the 2020 MLB draft, he was called up from the White Sox alternate training site a few weeks later despite never pitching in a minor league game. He made an immediate impact.
In five appearances, Crochet owned a perfect 0.00 ERA and trailed only Brusdar Graterol of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most pitches at 100 mph or above.
In his first full season, he continued to impress. Crochet posted a 2.82 ERA and struck out hitters at an effective 10.8 K/9 rate. What made Crochet so valuable was his versatility out of the bullpen.
The Chicago White Sox could use some extra help in their bullpen now.
Tony La Russa used him in high leverage situations as a middle reliever, a lefty specialist, a long reliever, and a setup man. In 2022, Crochet was set to take on Micheal Kopech’s role as a reliever/ spot starter. The White Sox see Crochet as a starter long-term so 2022 is figured to be a big year for his development.
The only silver lining is that if he undergoes surgery now he should be able to return in time for the 2023 season.
But with his absence, the White Sox bullpen suddenly becomes a lot less dangerous. Interim options to replace him include Bennett Sousa, Anderson Severino, Kyle Crick Ryan Burr, and Matt Foster.
None of them inspire a ton of confidence. There are other good options available if Rick Hahn decides to make a move. Here are three players that the White Sox could add to replace Garrett Crochet: