Chris Getz spoke with the media on Tuesday at the 2024 GM Meetings in San Antonio. Here are the key takeaways from his comments and other miscellaneous White Sox news.
Former Orioles coach Ryan Fuller named director of hitting
A source informed Sox On 35th that former Orioles co-hitting coach Ryan Fuller has been named the White Sox’s director of hitting. Getz confirmed this news to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Sun-Times on Tuesday evening, thus bringing the Baltimore coach into a similar role on the hitting side as senior advisor Brian Bannister on pitching.
For more information on Fuller and his background with the O’s, click here.
White Sox coaching staff is still being finalized
Getz and new manager Will Venable are working to finalize the 2025 coaching staff. The two are reportedly meeting this week in San Antonio to mull over options and hammer out assignments. Getz confirmed that some coaches from the previous regime had been told they would be returning. Among those expected to be back is former interim manager Grady Sizemore, per a source.
Garrett Crochet drawing more interest now than at the deadline
White Sox ace Garrett Crochet is a key trade target for many teams needing pitching, and Getz is already back to fielding offers.
Robert Murray of FanSided shared on Tuesday that a “long list of teams” have already checked in on the southpaw.
There is a “long list of teams” that have expressed interest in Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crochet, general manager Chris Getz said. There have been more teams to check in this offseason than at the trade deadline, Getz added.
“It’s important to know that he’s one of the best starters in the game,” Getz said,” and I could very easily see him making an Opening Day start for us as well.”
Van Schouwen also noted that Getz didn’t rule out the possibility of Crochet sticking around and being the club’s Opening Day starter. On a potential extension, however, the GM said it might be easier said than done given the lowering payroll.
Crochet, 25, missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery and made just 13 appearances in 2023. Finally healthy in 2024, the southpaw completed his first full season as a starter. He quickly established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game, notching All-Star honors after a strong first half in which he led all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts (150), K/9 (12.6), and fWAR (3.9). He finished the season with a 3.58 ERA, 209 strikeouts, 2.69 FIP, and 1.068 WHIP over a career-high 146 innings thrown.
Highly coveted leading up to the trade deadline, the former first-rounder completely changed his market by revealing that he would seek an extension before potentially pitching in October. Crochet still possesses two years of club control and plenty of additional upside for anyone willing to pay the price.
Getz comments on Luis Robert Jr.’s market
Could the White Sox also look to move Luis Robert Jr. this offseason? Getz didn’t sound as sure, saying the front office will evaluate offers but must receive appropriate value for their star center fielder.
Robert Jr. is arguably one of the most intriguing position players available for teams looking to solidify their outfield and lineup. He played a career-high 145 games in 2023, slashing .264/.315/.542 with 38 homers, 80 RBI, and a 130 OPS+ in what’s ended up being his only full season. The 27-year-old battled injuries in 2022 and missed a few months this past season due to a hip flexor strain.
It’s unclear what Robert Jr.’s asking price would be in a possible deal, though he is under contract through the 2025 season at $15 million. He also has team-friendly club options of $20 million for both 2026 and 2027. Only time will tell if the White Sox plan to use these years to help their team in the short term or look to the future and flip him for prospects.
Getz confirms analytics department makeover
After Matt Spiegel of 670 The Score first revealed the makeover of the White Sox analytics department, Getz offered his comment on the since rebranded “research and development” group.
For more on the changes behind the scenes, click here.
No. 4 prospect Edgar Quero joins Republik Sports
White Sox top catching prospect Edgar Quero is joining Repulik Sports, the two sides announced on Tuesday evening. Rafa Nieves, the Founder and CEO of the agency, shared the news on his personal and company social media accounts.
For more on Quero and his new agency, click here.
We will continue to provide further updates as information becomes available. Until then, follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more.
Featured Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
