White Sox Starter Won't Pitch In The Playoffs Without Contract Extension

The Chicago White Sox have been in command of the rapidly approaching Major League Baseball trade deadline thanks in large part to starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. Crochet, who entering 2024 had pitched exclusively in relief, has become one of the best starters in baseball. 

In a market starved for starting pitching, he's one of the most valuable commodities in the sport. Especially given his contract status, which would allow an acquiring team to use him for three playoff runs. At least, it seemed like three playoff runs.

Jon Heyman from the New York Post reported that assuming Crochet is traded, he would demand a contract extension in order to pitch in the playoffs. That's an unusual request to say the least, but Crochet believes that continuous pitching is better for his health, and wants to secure his future with a new team.

"Garrett Crochet plan with White Sox is to pitch normal workload as starter until end of regular season," Heyman posted. "If traded would need extension to pitch in October. He won't move to bullpen and will not take any break. Views starter routine as best for health." 

CHICAGO - Starting pitcher Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Garrett Crochet Contract Demand Complicates MLB Trade Deadline

Crochet was widely viewed as one of the two most valuable trade candidates entering the weekend. A stellar 3.07 ERA, even more impressive 2.30 FIP, sparkling 35.7% strikeout rate and outstanding control.

He's also making just $800,000 this season, and unlikely to jump into the $7-10 million range even for 2025. That level of production and such a low cost is the most valuable combination in baseball – except when that player says he won't pitch in the playoffs unless he gets a contract extension.

Crochet's position is understandable; baseball contracts are structured to reward pitchers or players when they hit free agency. But they don't hit free agency until they're arguably past their peak. Teams have realized this, creating depressed markets for players in their late-20's and early-30's. Crochet's hoping to avoid that by locking in his future now, when he has the most leverage. 

Then again, the apparent demand may ensure that he doesn't get the extension he wants. Acquiring teams assuredly don't look highly on a player threatening to sit out in the playoffs without getting paid. When asked about it before Friday's game, Crochet deflected.

"No comment. Right now I’m just focused on pitching for the White Sox," he told reporters in a pregame media session. "In terms of that, it kind of just is what it is.

"I’m focused on pitching for the White Sox. Beyond that, I’m not really controlling much." 

But making contract demands certainly is controlling. In a deadline that was already short of impact players, Crochet's apparent request may make it even harder to get a deal done.