Blackhawks, Bulls, and Cubs all unveil “The 1901 Project,” with an eye into 2025.
Finishing the 1st half winning 8 out of the last 11 made it seem like the Cubs might be turning a corner. Starting the 2nd half of the season strong was still a necessity, but at least they were playing good ball.
Instead, nine runs scored in six games. The pitching staff surrendered three runs or less in five of those six games.
Two wins.
Jul 23, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (45) throws during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
By the end of the weekend, Garrett Crochet and Jameson Taillon could be pitching for contenders. Next Tuesday’s trade deadline runs through Chicago but for all the wrong reasons.
The White Sox don’t need to trade Crochet, and if they don’t get an offer they adore, they can afford to hold onto him.
Meanwhile, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said on Monday, “We probably won’t do a lot of moves that only help us for this year. If moves help us for 2025 and beyond, I think we’re exceptionally well-positioned.”
Crochet still has two years of team control beyond 2024. However, the White Sox have to weigh whether they’ll be in a competitive window before the end of 2026 and if Crochet’s value will ever be higher. Regardless, don’t expect the left-hander to make his next scheduled start on Sunday, 53 hours from the deadline.
Taillon is a little different. Even though the Cubs’ right-hander has two more years under contract, he’s 32 years old. But can the Cubs afford to ship out a reliable rotation piece when the expectation is to compete next season?
