Getz 'surprised' by Crochet's trade-dependent contract desire

CHICAGO -- The White Sox still have one of the Major League’s most dominant starting pitchers in Garrett Crochet, who leads the American League with 160 strikeouts. And they have contractual control over the first-year starter for two more years of arbitration after the 2024 season.

But general manager Chris Getz’s pregame comments Monday went deeper than the basics of Crochet’s excellence to date. He focused more on a Thursday social media report from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, which involved Crochet wanting a contract extension in order to extend himself and pitch in October, if he was traded.

Getz spoke in detail about his mixed feelings for the entire scenario. On one hand, Getz has known Crochet since he was selected No. 11 overall in the 2020 Draft, working with him at the alternate training site in Schaumburg. He has supported Crochet through bullpen work, through ‘22 Tommy John surgery and the ensuing rehab, as well as his present move into the starting rotation.

So, Getz was a bit surprised by the route Crochet’s side decided to take.

“Communication had been very strong between Garrett and I and his agency. And I was a little surprised and taken aback by how they went about it, considering I had a conversation with his agent the night before,” said Getz, speaking during his press conference to announce a three-team trade with the Dodgers and Cardinals that brought Miguel Vargas and two Minor Leaguers to Chicago. “That’s not exactly the tactic I would have taken, even being a former player, quite honestly, just because the dialogue had been so honest and real and careful and mindful of his career because I’ve known him since we got him.

“I was a little surprised by it. I was. Most fans and even players without knowing everything, it makes sense. We understand why a stance would be taken. Now, how [Crochet’s camp went] about expressing that is what was a bit hurtful, quite honestly, considering I felt like we could have handled it a little bit differently -- and still everyone [could have] accomplished what they wanted to accomplish.”

When asked if that message from Crochet’s camp reduced the southpaw’s trade value, Getz said it created some questions, but he was able to combat some of those because of the relationships he has with other clubs.

“It definitely created some questions, [and those] short-term and long-term consequences are unknown,” Getz said.

If Crochet is not traded by 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday, with conversations ongoing, per Getz, Crochet could certainly be moved in the offseason when other teams are bound to be interested. Getz also spoke of a chance for Crochet to sign a long-term deal with the White Sox.

“There’s a chance,” Getz said. “He’s still with us right now. He’s a guy that is continuing to become one of the top arms in the game and we certainly value that. But it also goes back to what’s best for the long-term health of the White Sox, and so we are weighing all those types of things. Right now, we are just focused on making sound decisions.”

Teammates of Crochet supported his stance, as did other players via social media. Getz stands strongly in support of Crochet, regardless of the decision made by the Trade Deadline.

“Garrett and I are fine, we are good. I’ll continue to be one of his top supporters. In regard to how it affects the coming days, tough to tell,” Getz said. “Garrett is a very talented arm. He’s just getting his starting career going. And he’s looking out for his long-term well-being.

“We fully understand and support that and we will continue to do so. The belief we didn’t have his best intentions in mind was what I was a little surprised by with how it was handled. ... I continue to feel that we have a really open and honest relationship. I believe in Garrett. Whether I believe in him or not, it doesn’t matter. He believes in himself as a pitcher.”

Crochet’s loss against the Mariners on Sunday was followed by the club’s 8-5 setback to the Royals in Monday’s series opener at Guaranteed Rate Field, punctuated by a game-winning grand slam from Bobby Witt Jr. off John Brebbia in the eighth inning. It was the 15th straight loss for the White Sox (27-82), setting a single-season franchise record and marking the fewest games needed (109) to clinch a losing record by any team since the schedule expanded to 162 games (1961 AL, 1962 NL). The 2003 Tigers and 1962 Mets each did so in 111 games.

Chicago has gone 0-11 since the All-Star break, while Witt Jr. has recorded 13 hits total in the Royals' four victories over the White Sox in that span.

“We had a good day’s work, left it all out on the field, it didn’t happen,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “We’ve got to come back out and do it again tomorrow.”