White Sox sign No. 11 overall pick Crochet

CHICAGO -- Garrett Crochet officially is a member of the White Sox organization, as the team announced the signing of their top pick in the 2020 Draft to a Minor League contract on Monday.

The hard-throwing left-hander was selected 11th overall and received a $4,547,500 signing bonus equal to the recommended slot value for his spot in the Draft. Crochet told MLB.com last week he was going to Chicago for his physical and MRIs and to finalize the beginning of his professional baseball dream.

“I’m thrilled to officially be a member of the White Sox organization,” Crochet said in the White Sox press release to announce the signing. “It has always been my dream to play at the highest level, and now I’m one step closer to achieving that dream.

• White Sox Draft Tracker: Every 2020 pick

“I want to thank my family, friends, coaches and teammates who have helped throughout my baseball career. I can’t wait to get started.”

In a pinned Tweet from his Twitter account, the 21-year-old -- who celebrated a birthday Sunday -- gave a special thanks to Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello and Tennessee pitching coach Frank Anderson, “who took a chance on me when not many others would.” Crochet made one start in his junior season with Tennessee, striking out six over 3 2/3 scoreless innings. His season started late due to a muscle strain in his shoulder and then was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During his sophomore season in 2019, Crochet went 5-3 with a 4.02 ERA, three saves and 81 strikeouts over 18 games (six starts) with the Volunteers. He averaged 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, ranking in the Top 50 in all Division I baseball. Crochet finished his college career with a 10-9 record, 4.64 ERA, 13 saves, 149 strikeouts and 10.2 strikeouts per nine over 36 appearances (13 starts).

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper studied video of Crochet before the team selected him and told MLB.com last week he was ecstatic to add Crochet and right-handed hurler Jared Kelley, a high school pitcher out of Texas selected with the 47th pick overall in the second round. Both pitchers have electric stuff with fastballs reaching near 100 mph and major upside overall but some work to do understandably, per Cooper, although they will fit right in with the White Sox youthful core.

With Crochet in the mix, the White Sox have signed their top pick, their third-round selection in right-handed pitcher Adisyn Coffey ($50,000) and their fourth-round pick in right-handed pitcher Kade Mechals ($10,000). Their fifth-rounder, Bailey Horn, a southpaw from Auburn, remains unsigned.

Kelley’s slot value at 47 checks in at $1,580,200, but he will certainly be an over-slot signing. The White Sox entire Draft bonus pool is $7,764,800.