Garrett Crochet Revelation Shows Yankees Are Still Looking to Make Offseason Moves
As the 2024 MLB season draws closer, the New York Yankees remain one of the most talked-about teams in baseball. Despite a highly competitive 2023 season that saw them reach the postseason and fall short of the World Series, the Yankees have not been content to rest on their laurels. The offseason has already been filled with big moves and adjustments, but the recent revelation of the Yankees’ interest in left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet has highlighted that the team is far from done when it comes to reshaping their roster.
Crochet, once considered one of the brightest young arms in baseball, has faced a tumultuous few years, marred by injury setbacks and inconsistent performance. However, his immense potential and raw talent make him an intriguing target for a team like the Yankees, who are always looking to bolster their pitching staff and add another layer of depth to their roster. With the Yankees still in pursuit of additional talent, Crochet’s potential acquisition could be a key piece in their quest for a championship in 2024.
This article will dive into the Garrett Crochet revelation, why the Yankees are interested in him, what his addition could mean for the team’s pitching staff, and how this move fits into the broader context of the Yankees’ offseason strategy. We will also explore the larger picture of the Yankees’ roster construction, their postseason aspirations, and why the pursuit of Crochet shows that the team is still actively looking for ways to improve.
Garrett Crochet: A Look at the Player
Garrett Crochet’s story in Major League Baseball is one filled with both promise and setbacks. Drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Crochet quickly became one of the most hyped young pitchers in the league. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 218 pounds, Crochet possesses a frame built for power, and his fastball, which can reach speeds upwards of 101 mph, made him an instant attraction. His ability to generate swings and misses with both his fastball and slider cemented his status as one of the top pitching prospects in the game.
Early Success with the White Sox
Crochet made his MLB debut in 2020, just weeks after being drafted, and he immediately impressed. In his debut season, he posted a 2.37 ERA over 21.2 innings of relief, striking out 33 batters and showcasing his electric stuff. His fastball velocity and the movement on his slider made him a dominant presence in the bullpen. His ability to come in and make an impact right away generated excitement throughout the league, with many analysts predicting he would develop into an elite closer or high-leverage reliever in short order.
In 2021, Crochet showed promise as a multi-inning reliever, accumulating 54 innings with a 2.80 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. He was an important piece of the White Sox’s bullpen, but it became clear that the team was also considering him for a potential starting role in the future. However, the decision to transition him into the rotation took a turn for the worse in the form of an elbow injury.
Injury Setbacks: The Road to Recovery
In 2022, Crochet underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that sidelined him for the entire season and delayed his potential as a starting pitcher. The timing of the surgery also forced the White Sox to adjust their plans for the young left-hander, and it was clear that he would need significant time to fully recover. The process of returning from Tommy John surgery is long and challenging, and many pitchers take a while to regain their previous form.
Crochet’s 2023 season was somewhat of a comeback year, though it was clear he was still working his way back to full strength. While he flashed his high-velocity fastball and sharp slider, he was not yet the dominant force he had been prior to the injury. His ERA in 2023 was slightly elevated, and his command was still a work in progress, but the flashes of brilliance remained. For the Yankees, who are always on the lookout for high-ceiling pitchers, Crochet’s potential to regain his form could represent a valuable opportunity.
Why the Yankees Are Interested in Garrett Crochet
The Yankees have had one of the most consistently dominant pitching staffs in baseball over the last decade, and their focus on adding pitching depth has only intensified after a disappointing end to their 2023 postseason. The Yankees, who were eliminated in the ALCS by the Houston Astros, have been looking to reinforce both their starting rotation and bullpen in anticipation of another playoff run in 2024.
Garrett Crochet represents an intriguing option for the Yankees for several reasons. First, the Yankees have a long-standing need for reliable left-handed options in their bullpen. While the Yankees have had success with their bullpen in recent seasons—highlighted by the dominance of closer Clay Holmes and the effective performances of Jonathan Loáisiga—the team has often lacked a consistent left-handed reliever who can be relied upon in high-leverage situations. Adding Crochet to the fold would immediately address this weakness, giving manager Aaron Boone another option for crucial late-game situations.
Second, Crochet’s upside as a power pitcher is undeniable. When healthy, Crochet’s fastball is one of the best in baseball, and his ability to miss bats with both his fastball and slider could give the Yankees a weapon to deal with power-heavy lineups. The Yankees have also been targeting pitchers with strikeout potential in recent years, and Crochet fits that mold perfectly. His stuff is tailor-made for the modern game, which emphasizes velocity and swing-and-miss ability.
Third, Crochet’s relatively low cost—coming off an injury and with questions surrounding his full recovery—means that he could be a buy-low opportunity for the Yankees. While other pitchers in free agency or via trade may command higher prices or longer commitments, Crochet offers a potential high-reward investment without the hefty price tag. For a team like the Yankees, who have financial flexibility but also need to make smart investments, this type of move is an ideal risk to take.
The Yankees’ Bullpen Needs and How Crochet Fits
In order to make a serious playoff push in 2024, the Yankees need to shore up their bullpen, which, while strong in spots, was inconsistent at times during the 2023 season. The Yankees’ bullpen is anchored by closer Clay Holmes, who posted a solid season, and Jonathan Loáisiga, who continues to be a key contributor. However, the team’s relief corps suffered from some volatility, especially when it came to left-handed options.
Despite having talented arms like Wandy Peralta, who has been a reliable lefty out of the bullpen, the Yankees have lacked another left-handed fireballer to complement him. Crochet could fill that role by providing a dynamic left-handed arm capable of handling high-leverage situations, whether it’s in the middle innings or in late-game situations. His power stuff would give the Yankees a different look in the bullpen and make them a much more formidable team in the postseason, where matchups often dictate success.
The Yankees are also known for their emphasis on versatility in the bullpen. Crochet’s ability to work multiple innings—an asset that he demonstrated during his first two seasons—could prove to be invaluable for the team. Given the Yankees’ need for pitchers who can be used in different scenarios, from getting left-handed batters out to providing length during bullpen-heavy games, Crochet’s versatility would add another layer of depth to a team that has frequently needed flexibility in high-stress games.
Potential Risks and Challenges
While Garrett Crochet’s potential is exciting, there are certainly risks associated with pursuing him, especially considering his injury history. Tommy John surgery is a significant procedure, and while many pitchers successfully recover and continue to have productive careers, some take longer to regain their form, and others never fully recover. The Yankees would need to closely monitor Crochet’s progress during the spring and make sure he is ready for the demands of the 2024 season.
Furthermore, Crochet’s control has been a concern throughout his career. While his stuff is undeniably electric, he has struggled with command at times, and his walk rates are a point of concern. The Yankees have often thrived with pitchers who can control the strike zone, and this will be a key area to monitor with Crochet. If he can refine his command and limit walks, he will be much more effective in high-leverage situations. However, if control issues persist, it could limit his effectiveness, particularly against elite hitters in the postseason.
Despite these risks, the upside that Crochet presents far outweighs the potential downsides. For the Yankees, who are looking for a high-leverage reliever to complete their bullpen, Crochet is a tantalizing option. If the Yankees can unlock his potential, they could have one of the most dangerous left-handed bullpen arms in the league.
Broader Implications for the Yankees’ Offseason
The pursuit of Garrett Crochet also signals that the Yankees are not done with their offseason moves. After addressing several key needs with the acquisition of outfielder Harrison Bader and the re-signing of veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees have still been focused on improving their pitching staff. While the rotation has been bolstered with the return of ace Gerrit Cole, the team continues to search for ways to upgrade their bullpen, especially in a division as competitive as the American League East.
The addition of Crochet, coupled with other possible moves, could make the Yankees a deeper and more well-rounded team heading into 2024. While the Yankees already have a strong roster, their focus on adding high-ceiling arms—whether in the bullpen or as potential trade targets—demonstrates their commitment to doing whatever it takes to improve and secure their place as one of the elite teams in the league.
Conclusion: Still All-In for 2024
The revelation that the New York Yankees are targeting Garrett Crochet highlights that, despite an already active offseason, the team is still