Garrett Crochet Revelation Shows NY Mets Are Still Looking to Make Offseason Moves
As the 2024 MLB season quickly approaches, the New York Mets are continuing to make headlines with their offseason moves and their strategic approach to improving their roster. While they have already made significant additions to their pitching staff and bolstered their lineup with high-profile signings, a recent revelation regarding the Mets’ interest in left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet has brought even more intrigue. Crochet, who was once considered one of the top young pitchers in the league, has faced setbacks in his career due to injury but is now a target for the Mets as they aim to add more depth and talent to their bullpen. The potential acquisition of Crochet is a reflection of the Mets’ commitment to strengthening their roster, both in terms of immediate impact and future upside.
This article will dive into the significance of the Garrett Crochet revelation, what his potential addition means for the Mets’ bullpen, and how this move fits into the larger picture of their offseason strategy. Additionally, we will explore how the Mets’ front office is balancing short-term improvements with long-term sustainability, and why the Crochet signing, if it comes to fruition, could be a pivotal piece in the team’s future success.
Garrett Crochet’s Background and Potential
Before we dive into why Garrett Crochet is such an interesting target for the Mets, it’s important to understand his background, potential, and recent career trajectory. Crochet was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2020 as the 11th overall pick in the first round. The 6’6″, 218-pound left-hander quickly drew attention for his electric fastball and his high upside, making his MLB debut just weeks after being drafted. His fastball, which can reach up to 101 mph, along with a devastating slider, made him a highly regarded pitching prospect with immense potential.
During his first season in 2020, Crochet immediately demonstrated his ability to contribute at the major league level, posting a 2.37 ERA in 21.2 innings. He became a key part of the White Sox’s bullpen during their playoff push and showcased the raw talent that had made him such a highly anticipated prospect. His combination of velocity and movement was the stuff of potential stardom, and many believed that if he could refine his control and develop a more consistent repertoire, he would evolve into a frontline starter or at least an elite bullpen arm.
The Injury Setbacks
Unfortunately for Crochet, injuries have played a significant role in derailing what was a promising start to his career. After an encouraging 2020 season, the White Sox transitioned him to a starting role, and in 2021, he pitched 54 innings in both the rotation and bullpen. However, that same year, Crochet suffered an injury to his throwing elbow that would ultimately require Tommy John surgery. The injury kept him out for the entirety of the 2022 season and limited his ability to return to full form in 2023.
Despite these setbacks, Crochet’s raw talent and his fastball still tantalize scouts and front office executives. When healthy, he has demonstrated the ability to be a game-changing arm, and his age (he’s just 24 years old) means he still has significant upside. For the Mets, a team with a long history of injury-prone pitchers, adding someone like Crochet could be a high-reward, low-risk move that helps solidify their bullpen while also providing valuable depth for the future.
Why the Mets Are Interested in Garrett Crochet
The revelation that the Mets are interested in Garrett Crochet comes as no surprise given the team’s focus on bolstering their pitching staff and improving their overall bullpen depth. The Mets’ bullpen has been an area of concern in recent seasons, with inconsistent performances and struggles to find reliable arms outside of closer Edwin Díaz. While the team has spent big on starting pitching (with the acquisitions of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Kodai Senga in recent years), their bullpen has often been an Achilles’ heel.
Crochet’s potential as a high-leverage arm could address this problem. While he is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to be ready to start the season, his electric stuff and the potential for him to return to form make him an intriguing target for the Mets. Unlike many other pitchers coming off major surgeries, Crochet’s velocity has remained consistently high, and if he can regain his command and improve his secondary offerings, he could become one of the most dominant left-handed relievers in baseball.
Moreover, Crochet’s relatively low cost is another reason the Mets are keen to explore this possibility. After a couple of seasons marred by injury, Crochet will likely be available at a fraction of what he would have cost had he maintained his previous trajectory. For the Mets, this represents an opportunity to buy low on a player with significant upside, much like they did in the past when they acquired pitchers such as Jeurys Familia or Brad Hand. A successful return to form for Crochet could provide them with a valuable bullpen piece for both the 2024 season and beyond.
The Long-Term Investment
One of the most interesting aspects of the Mets’ interest in Crochet is the long-term investment it represents. While many of the Mets’ recent acquisitions have been geared toward immediate playoff contention (such as the additions of Scherzer and Verlander), a move for Crochet highlights the team’s efforts to balance short-term success with long-term sustainability.
The Mets are operating under the assumption that they will be a contender in 2024, but they also know that their championship window must extend beyond just one or two seasons. By targeting a young, controllable arm like Crochet, the Mets could secure a key bullpen piece for the next several years, especially if his recovery from surgery goes as planned. The fact that he is still so young means that, should he regain his form, he could help anchor the Mets’ bullpen for a significant portion of the next decade.
How Garrett Crochet Fits into the Mets’ Bullpen
If the Mets are able to acquire Garrett Crochet, he would add a significant layer of depth and versatility to their bullpen. At his best, Crochet is capable of being a closer or a high-leverage setup man. His electric fastball, combined with a sharp slider, allows him to overpower hitters and generate strikeouts. The Mets, who have struggled to find reliable left-handed arms in recent years, would benefit greatly from having a dynamic weapon like Crochet in their arsenal.
In 2021, Crochet showed glimpses of his potential as a multi-inning reliever, which is exactly the type of pitcher the Mets need. With a bullpen that is often stretched thin, having an arm like Crochet could provide manager Buck Showalter with more options late in games. Furthermore, his ability to get both left-handed and right-handed batters out would make him a valuable weapon in high-leverage situations against a wide range of opponents. His velocity, which typically sits between 97-101 mph, allows him to dominate in short bursts, making him an ideal candidate for late-game situations.
At the same time, Crochet’s recovery from Tommy John surgery means that his usage may initially be more conservative. The Mets would likely bring him along slowly, monitoring his workload and ensuring that he is fully healthy before trusting him in high-stakes situations. Nevertheless, his presence would immediately improve the depth of the Mets’ bullpen and provide them with another weapon to compete with the best teams in the National League.
The Mets’ Offseason Strategy: Focus on Depth and Versatility
The Mets’ interest in Garrett Crochet fits into the broader strategy of their offseason. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Mets have been focused on retooling their roster with a combination of established veterans and young, high-upside talent. This strategy has been evident in their other offseason moves as well.
For instance, the Mets’ acquisition of talented shortstop Francisco Lindor in 2021 and their high-profile signings of pitchers like Scherzer and Verlander in the past few years highlight their commitment to improving the roster for immediate success. However, they have also made moves to strengthen their farm system, such as selecting talented prospects in the draft and making trades for young talent who can contribute in the near future.
The acquisition of Garrett Crochet would be consistent with this strategy of balancing established talent with future potential. The Mets are clearly aware that their success in the coming years will depend not only on their star players but also on their ability to develop depth throughout the roster. By taking a chance on a high-upside arm like Crochet, the Mets are positioning themselves for both short-term improvement and long-term success.
Other Key Offseason Moves and Looking Ahead to 2024
While the Mets’ interest in Garrett Crochet has garnered attention, there are several other offseason moves that could shape the team’s 2024 season. The Mets have already made several key signings, including bolstering their lineup with powerful hitters and solidifying their starting pitching staff. However, their work is far from over.
One area that still needs attention is the outfield, where the Mets have a number of questions to answer. The team will also be focused on ensuring that their pitching staff stays healthy, especially given the age of their top starters. Scherzer and Verlander are both on the tail end of their careers, and the Mets will need to make sure that they can count on them to perform at a high level throughout the season.
Additionally, the team is expected to keep a close eye on the MLB Draft and any potential trades that could improve their roster. With several high-caliber prospects in the system and an already solid roster in place, the Mets could be poised to make a serious push for the postseason in 2024.
Conclusion: A Strong Offseason in the Making
The Mets’ interest in Garrett Crochet is just one of many signals that the team is still actively looking to improve its roster as the season draws closer. While they’ve already made substantial moves, adding a young, high-upside pitcher like Crochet could
