In a season defined by resilience and tenacity, left-handed pitchers Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox have been named Major League Baseball’s Comeback Players of the Year for 2024. The two fireballers overcame significant injuries and obstacles to deliver dominant performances, earning them the prestigious honor.
Sale’s Sensational Season
For Chris Sale, the 2024 season represented a triumphant return to form. The 35-year-old veteran had endured a tumultuous stretch, making just 56 starts from 2020-2023 due to an array of shoulder, elbow, and freak injuries. But in 2024, Sale silenced the doubters, going 18-3 with a sparkling 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings.
Sale’s stellar performance earned him his eighth All-Star selection and helped propel the Braves to another postseason berth. His journey back to the top was not an easy one, as he had to overcome Tommy John surgery, a fractured rib, a broken pinkie finger, and even a broken wrist suffered in a biking accident. But through sheer determination and an unwavering work ethic, Sale proved that he still has plenty left in the tank.
“It’s been a long road, but I never lost faith in myself or my abilities,” Sale told reporters after learning of his Comeback Player of the Year award. “I’m grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and family. This is a testament to their belief in me.”
Crochet’s Comeback
For Garrett Crochet, the 2024 season represented a breakthrough after a challenging start to his career. The 25-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2022, putting his promising future in doubt. But Crochet attacked his rehab with relentless determination, returning to the majors in May 2023 before fully hitting his stride in 2024.
As a key member of the White Sox rotation, Crochet posted a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings. His electric fastball and devastating slider earned him his first All-Star nod and the admiration of his peers. Despite playing for a historically bad White Sox team that lost a record 121 games, Crochet’s individual brilliance shone through.
“Garrett’s work ethic and competitive fire are second to none,” a White Sox teammate said. “He never let the team’s struggles get him down. He just kept taking the ball every fifth day and giving us a chance to win.”
Other Award Winners
In other award news, Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase won his second AL Reliever of the Year Award, while St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley took home the NL honor. Both were unanimous selections by a panel of Hall of Fame relievers. Clase posted a microscopic 0.61 ERA and converted 47 of 50 save chances, while Helsley recorded 49 saves with a 2.04 ERA.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers made history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, earning him his fourth straight Outstanding Designated Hitter Award. The two-way star is still recovering from elbow surgery that has limited him to hitting duties. He shared the spotlight with Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who led the majors with 58 homers and 144 RBI to win the Hank Aaron Award in the AL.
The Comeback Kids
But the night belonged to Sale and Crochet, two left-handers who embody the never-say-die spirit of the game. Their paths to the Comeback Player of the Year Award were filled with obstacles and setbacks, but they never wavered in their commitment to excellence. As they took the stage to accept their trophies, the baseball world stood in awe of their resilience and grit.
“This award means everything to me,” an emotional Crochet said. “To come back from Tommy John and perform at this level, it’s a dream come true. I want to thank everyone who believed in me along the way.”
For Sale, the honor represented a validation of his enduring greatness and a reminder that even the greatest players must sometimes fight through adversity to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
“I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I never lost sight of who I am and what I’m capable of,” Sale said. “This award is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unbreakable bond between a pitcher and his team.”
As the 2024 season fades into memory, the stories of Chris Sale and Garrett Crochet will endure as shining examples of the indomitable human spirit. Their triumphs over adversity will inspire a new generation of ballplayers to chase their dreams, no matter how many times they may get knocked down. For in the end, it is not the destination that defines a champion, but the journey itself – a journey of courage, resilience, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness.
