While Crochet’s 6.0 WAR pace in 2025 is likely not a consistent, year-over-year expectation, it’s likely that five healthy seasons from Crochet can produce a number in the neighborhood of 20-30 WAR. That health will be a key factor, however, for a player like Crochet, who has had several injury issues throughout his young career.
White Sox young success, piece by piece
If you asked me at the start of the season what the White Sox record would be through the first 79 games, I think you’d be lucky to hear me say 30 wins.
In reality, my answer would likely have been around 25 wins. To see the White Sox maintain a record above .500, while sitting atop the AL Central standings nearly halfway through the season, is nothing short of remarkable.
While the coaching staff and young manager Will Venable deserve a lot of credit, much of this record can be attributed to the performance of the team’s emerging youngsters.
Sure, Kyle Teel just returned from the injured list, but Meidroth and Montgomery are in the starting nine day in and day out.
For the White Sox, it’s likely that, from a strict WAR standpoint, these players will exceed Crochet’s value. Crochet has already produced a dominant season in Boston, in many ways making the trade worth it for Boston. But over the rookie contract lifespans for each player in the return, the White Sox could amass up to 50 WAR if health allows.
Kyle Teel
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Kyle Teel #8 of the Chicago White Sox throws to the pitcher during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 14, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
If Teel stays behind the dish, he has All-Star potential. With 1.9 WAR in 2025 over 78 games, a healthy ceiling for Teel could produce up to 15-20 WAR.
After a pair of leg injuries, Teel finally returned to the White Sox on June 22, going 0-4 with three strikeouts. One bad game will not define Teel’s season, however, as he still has more than half the season to work his way back to the 121 OPS+ he had in 2025.