3 pitchers the Orioles should stay away from this offseason

Garrett Crochet

One of the biggest breakout stars of the 2024 season was Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet. Crochet was a career reliever going back to his college days but got the opportunity to start last season. He surprised everyone outside of the White Sox organization by posting an incredible season that included 32 starts, 209 strikeouts, an All Star appearance and was rewarded as the Comeback Player of the Year.

The lefty seemingly would fit nicely towards the top of an Orioles rotation that could be without two big names from last season. Corbin Burnes is testing the free agent market and Kyle Bradish won't return from Tommy John surgery until late in 2025, if at all. But there's more to this than just the stats.

Crochet threw 146.0 innings in 2024, which is over 90 innings more than he had thrown in any previous major league season. He already had Tommy John surgery in 2022 and pitching that many more innings with Crochet's velocity and spin rates is going to put a lot of wear and tear on that elbow. The White Sox are looking for a big return for Crochet so the Orioles would likely have to part ways with at least one of their top prospects.

But the main reason to avoid Crochet is his attitude. During the trade deadline Crochet stated that would not pitch in the post season for a team that traded for him if they did not give him a contract extension prior to the playoffs. He also said he would not accept a move to the bullpen to limit his innings. When asked about this after the season, Crochet doubled down on his statements saying "I think it was the right call."

The Orioles are a young team in need of veteran leadership. Crochet has made it abundantly clear that he puts himself over the needs of the team and that type of attitude can tear a young team apart.