A Historic Moment: Garrett Crochet to Blaze Trails as White Sox Opening Day Starter

Key Points

• Garrett Crochet has been named the Opening Day starter for the Chicago White Sox, marking a historic decision as no other South Sider has started on Opening Day without previous starting experience in over 120 years.
• Crochet’s fastball averages just over 96 mph, and he has demonstrated impressive swing-and-miss rates with both his fastball (29%) and his 85 mph slider (25%) in 2023.
• Before being named the Opening Day starter, Crochet’s MLB career consisted of 72 appearances as a reliever, boasting a 2.71 ERA, 85 strikeouts, and a 1.329 WHIP over 73 innings.
• Crochet’s selection as the Opening Day starter is especially notable considering the Chicago White Sox’s recent changes, including trading Dylan Cease and moving Michael Kopech to the bullpen.

The Unprecedented Choice

In a move that breaks over a century of tradition, the Chicago White Sox are set to captivate their fans with a historic decision for their upcoming Opening Day. Garrett Crochet, a pitcher whose talent has been the talk of the town, has been named the Opening Day starter for the team. This decision comes on the heels of significant team changes, including the trade of Dylan Cease to the Padres and Michael Kopech’s transition to the bullpen, leaving the door wide open for Crochet to shine. With a fastball that clocks in at an impressive 96 mph, Crochet has proven his mettle, showcasing a swing-and-miss rate of 29% in 2023, a testament to his prowess on the mound.

Crochet’s Journey to the Mound

Garrett Crochet’s journey to this pivotal moment is nothing short of remarkable. Selected as the No. 11 pick in the 2020 draft, Crochet quickly made his presence felt in Major League Baseball, debuting in September of the same year. Up until now, his MLB career has been defined by his role as a reliever, where he has left an indelible mark across 72 games. With a commendable ERA of 2.71 and striking out 85 batters over 73 innings, Crochet has been a force to be reckoned with. His promotion to Opening Day starter not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also signifies the White Sox’s confidence in his extraordinary talent and potential.

A Historical Perspective

The announcement that Crochet will take the mound on Opening Day is a monumental occasion not just for him but for the entire Chicago White Sox organization. According to renowned stats expert Chris Kamka, Crochet is set to become the first pitcher in the franchise’s storied history to make his first career start on Opening Day since Roy Patterson in 1901. This remarkable achievement underscores the faith the team has in Crochet’s abilities and the historic nature of the upcoming season opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 28. As fans eagerly await this momentous game, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Crochet, a pitcher poised to etch his name in the annals of White Sox history.

Garrett Crochet will be the Chicago White Sox 2024 Opening Day starter!! https://t.co/15NcLwhcGj

— Vols in Pro Baseball (@ProBaseVols) March 18, 2024

FAQs

• Why was Garrett Crochet chosen as the Opening Day starter for the Chicago White Sox?

Garrett Crochet was chosen due to his exceptional pitching skills, including a fastball averaging over 96 mph with high swing-and-miss rates, and the team’s recent changes that left the starting position open.

• What makes Crochet’s start on Opening Day historic for the White Sox?

Crochet will be the first pitcher to make his first career start on Opening Day for the White Sox since Roy Patterson in 1901, marking a historic moment for the team.

• What are Garrett Crochet’s achievements leading up to his Opening Day start?

Leading up to his Opening Day start, Garrett Crochet made 72 relief appearances with a 2.71 ERA, striking out 85 over 73 innings, and showcasing his potential as a dominant force on the mound.