Garrett Crochet and Boston Red Sox Finalize Groundbreaking Six-Year Contract Extension

Garrett Crochet and Boston Red Sox Finalize Groundbreaking Six-Year Contract Extension

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly reached an agreement with starting pitcher Garrett Crochet on a remarkable six-year contract extension valued at $170 million. This significant deal was finalized on Monday night, making waves in Major League Baseball.

At just 25 years old, Garrett Crochet was acquired through a trade with the Chicago White Sox, where the Red Sox gave up a combination of prospects, including Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez to secure his talent.

Details of the Contract Extension

This newly established contract extension will officially commence in 2026 and features an opt-out clause following the 2030 season. Reports indicate that Crochet will be 31 years old when he has the opportunity to pursue free agency.

Further emphasizing the significance of this deal, it represents the largest contract ever awarded to a pitcher with over four years of service time. This feat underscores the confidence the Red Sox have in Crochet’s future contributions to the team.

Historic Achievement for Crochet

In an unprecedented achievement, Garrett Crochet has become the first pitcher in MLB history to be awarded a nine-figure contract while having pitched fewer than 800 total innings. Currently, he has logged only 224 innings in his career, demonstrating a remarkable feat given the financial implications.

Crochet began his professional journey with the White Sox, showcasing his skills as a reliever in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. His time off in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery did little to dampen hopes for his future, as he re-emerged in 2023 to make a strong return to the bullpen.

Transition to Starting Pitcher

As he prepared for the 2024 season, Crochet transitioned into the starting role and achieved immediate success. In his inaugural season as a starter, he made 32 appearances, posting an impressive 3.58 ERA over 146 innings pitched. During this time, he struck out a staggering 209 batters, showcasing his adeptness with a dominating fastball. This remarkable performance earned him a well-deserved selection to the American League All-Star team.

Challenges Faced

Despite Crochet’s strong performance early in the season, the last two months revealed some struggles. In his final 10 starts, he faced challenges, finishing with a 4.83 ERA and pitching just 31.2 innings. Nonetheless, the Red Sox’s decision to part with prized prospects for Crochet underscores the team’s belief in his ability to bounce back.

Opening Day Performance

Crochet started on Opening Day for the Red Sox, contributing to the team’s 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. In this game, he pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out four batters. His solid performance provided a promising start to the season, although the Red Sox have since struggled, losing their last four games and securing only one win in their first five outings.

Looking Ahead

Crochet is set to take the mound again in the Red Sox’s upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET on Wednesday. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Crochet and his continued development as a key player for the Red Sox.

Through this historic contract extension, the Red Sox have not only secured a crucial asset for their rotation but also made a bold statement about their commitment to building a competitive team for the future. As fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding season, Crochet’s journey will undoubtedly be one of the highlights to watch.