Here's a story we probably wouldn't have had on our Bingo card back in March: White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet has been named 2024 American League Comeback Player of the Year.
Crochet didn't pitch at all in 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He didn't return until late in 2023, making only 13 relief appearances. And if we're being honest, he wasn't impressive. He walked 13 batters in 12.2 innings pitched.
The idea of Crochet ever becoming a quality starting pitcher seemed far-fetched, but the Sox decided to give him a shot in spring training 2024. As a matter of fact, they made him their Opening Day starter, and the "experiment" worked far better than anyone could have imagined.
Despite the Sox being an absolutely terrible team, Crochet had a breakout season. His first half, in particular, was dominant. He made the All-Star team after striking out 150 batters in 107.1 innings over his first 20 starts.
The second half, well, Crochet was on a strict innings limit in his first full season back from surgery. He made all 32 of his starts, but after the All-Star break, he never pitched deep enough into a game to qualify for a win.
Final season totals: 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 146 innings pitched. He struck out 209 and walked only 33 batters. That strikeout-to-walk ratio never could have been foreseen given the way Crochet looked in his brief return in 2023.
There was a period of time during the season in which the only time the Sox were worth watching was the day Crochet pitched. His performance was a glimmer of hope in a sea of deep, dark misery.
Unfortunately, this is probably the last time we'll celebrate anything Crochet has done. He is likely to be traded for futures sometime this offseason, as the Sox try to dig out from the abyss of a 41-121 season.
The next time you read a blog about Crochet here, it will probably be because he was dealt to the Dodgers, Red Sox, Phillies, Orioles, Cubs or Mets.
It's too bad, really. I guess we'll wait and see what happens when the trade winds blow.