The Chicago White Sox began the season with a 1-0 loss on Opening Day, but first-year general manager Chris Getz was pleased to see promising young pitcher Garrett Crochet throw six strong innings in his first career start. The White Sox have undergone significant changes, with a new-look pitching staff that includes several new faces acquired by Getz during the offseason. Despite the loss, it was an encouraging start for a team that is in a rebuilding phase after losing 101 games last season.
Under owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s budget constraints, the White Sox have significantly reduced their payroll, from $181.2 million in 2023 to $123.8 million in 2024. This has forced the team to make changes to their roster, with several key veteran pitchers being replaced by a group of fresh faces looking to make an impact. The White Sox open the season with their lowest payroll ranking since 2019, signaling a shift in their approach to team building.
Garrett Crochet’s performance on Opening Day exemplifies the White Sox’s new approach to their pitching staff. The 24-year-old left-hander, who was drafted in the first round in 2020, was given the start after impressing in spring training. He showcased his impressive fastball and slider against the Tigers, striking out eight batters with no walks. Crochet’s success bodes well for a rotation that is relatively inexperienced, with no pitcher having more than 88 career starts.
In addition to Crochet, the White Sox have added several new pitchers to their rotation, including Erick Fedde, Chris Flexen, and Michael Soroka. Fedde, who reinvented himself in Korea last season, signed a two-year deal worth $15 million with the White Sox. Flexen, who had success in Seattle in 2021, was signed for $1.75 million, while Soroka, a former top prospect, was acquired in a trade with the Braves. These new additions, along with young pitchers like Nick Nastrini, aim to provide stability to a rotation that struggled last season.
The White Sox have also been active in acquiring talent for their minor league system, adding prospects like Nicky Lopez, Braden Shewmake, Jared Shuster, and Riley Gowens in various trades. The team’s minor league inventory of starting pitchers includes promising young arms that could impact the major league roster in the future. With an improved rotation and a strong core of position players, the White Sox are looking to take a step forward in the 2024 season and compete in a competitive American League Central division.
Overall, the White Sox are in a transition period, with a focus on developing young talent and building a sustainable contender for the future. Despite the challenges of a reduced payroll and a revamped roster, the team is optimistic about the potential of their young pitchers and the progress they can make in the upcoming season. Through strategic acquisitions and player development, the White Sox are laying the foundation for future success and hoping to turn the tide after a challenging season last year.
