By The Capital Sports Report Wire Service
The Boston Red Sox made headlines this week by securing their new ace, Garrett Crochet, to a six-year, $170 million contract extension. This deal not only cements Crochet’s place in Boston’s rotation but also signals the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers.
The Journey to Boston
Garrett Crochet, a 25-year-old left-hander from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has had a whirlwind career. Drafted 11th overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2020 out of the University of Tennessee, Crochet made history by debuting in the majors just months after being drafted. His electric fastball and poise on the mound quickly made him a standout reliever.
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However, his journey wasn’t without setbacks. Tommy John surgery in 2022 sidelined him for an entire season, and his return in 2023 was limited to just 12⅔ innings. Despite these challenges, Crochet transitioned to a starting role in 2024 and flourished with the White Sox, earning an All-Star nod and being named AL Comeback Player of the Year.
Boston acquired Crochet in December 2024 in a blockbuster trade that sent four top prospects, including Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery, to Chicago. Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow made it clear that this trade was about more than just one season. “When we traded for Garrett, we envisioned him as a cornerstone of our rotation for years to come,” Breslow said.
A Record-Breaking Contract
The six-year extension begins in 2026 and includes an opt-out after the 2030 season. It guarantees Crochet $170 million, with escalators that could push the total value to $180 million based on Cy Young finishes. The deal also includes unique clauses like a $2 million assignment bonus if he’s traded and conditional options tied to injury absences.
This contract sets a new benchmark for pitchers with four-plus years of service time, surpassing Jacob deGrom’s five-year, $137.5 million deal with the New York Mets in 2019. “It’s humbling,” Crochet said during his press conference. “To know that this organization believes in me enough to make this kind of commitment—it’s something I don’t take lightly.”
Why Boston Believes in Crochet
Crochet’s potential as an ace is undeniable. In 2024, he posted a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings for Chicago. His strikeout rate (35.1%) led all starters with at least 30 starts, while his FIP (2.69) ranked second in the league. His ability to dominate hitters with a high-90s fastball and sharp slider has drawn comparisons to some of baseball’s elite left-handers.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Crochet’s work ethic and leadership qualities: “Garrett is not just a great pitcher; he’s someone who elevates everyone around him. He sets the tone for what we want this team to be.”
Crochet made his Red Sox debut as the Opening Day starter on March 27, pitching five solid innings against the Texas Rangers in a 5-2 victory. “It felt amazing to take the mound at Fenway,” Crochet said after the game. “The energy here is unmatched.”
Building for Contention
The Red Sox have been aggressive in reshaping their roster under Breslow’s leadership, and locking up Crochet is a key part of that strategy. With young stars like Triston Casas and Marcelo Mayer emerging alongside veterans Rafael Devers and Trevor Story, Boston aims to return to perennial contention in the AL East.
“Garrett represents everything we’re trying to build here,” Breslow said. “He’s talented, driven, and committed to winning.”
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Looking Ahead
Crochet’s extension ensures that he will anchor Boston’s rotation through at least 2031 unless he opts out after 2030. For now, both player and team are focused on immediate goals: competing for an AL East title and making a deep postseason run.
“I came here to win,” Crochet said emphatically. “This city deserves another championship, and I want to be part of bringing it back.”
As Opening Day fades into memory and the grind of the MLB season begins, one thing is clear: Garrett Crochet isn’t just another pitcher for the Red Sox — he’s their future.
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