As of early 2025, there have been notable discussions surrounding a potential contract extension between the Boston Red Sox and left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet. The young pitcher, who has emerged as one of the more intriguing talents in recent MLB seasons, has caught the attention of Boston’s front office. These talks are particularly significant considering Crochet’s promising but still-developing career, which could potentially see him become a cornerstone of the Red Sox pitching staff for years to come.
Garrett Crochet was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, taken with the 11th overall pick. His fastball, which consistently hits triple digits, has made him a standout since entering the league. However, the White Sox had him primarily work out of the bullpen early in his career, which allowed him to showcase his raw, electric stuff without as many of the challenges that come with a starting role. This decision made him an intriguing option for any team looking for a high-impact reliever or even a future starting pitcher.
Crochet’s strikeout stuff, particularly his devastating fastball and sharp slider, has made him a key asset. Over the course of his career, his stuff has consistently impressed scouts and analysts alike. In 2022, he made 53 appearances for the White Sox, solidifying himself as a late-inning option with strikeout potential. However, his time with Chicago has been marked by injuries, including Tommy John surgery, which limited his overall output and led to a reassessment of his long-term future.
In a significant move for the Red Sox, they acquired Crochet from the White Sox in a trade aimed at strengthening their bullpen and adding another quality arm to their pitching rotation. Boston’s pitching staff had undergone significant changes in the past few seasons, and adding a promising, high-velocity left-handed pitcher like Crochet could be seen as a move to solidify their bullpen for the future. The acquisition gave the Red Sox a potential game-changer, especially with the need to inject some fresh talent into their pitching staff.
The Red Sox’s pursuit of Crochet signals a level of confidence in his recovery and development. Since his arrival in Boston, Crochet has spent time recovering from his elbow injury, but the team has been impressed by his resilience and his potential to become an even more effective pitcher. The team’s pitching development staff, known for their ability to help pitchers refine their mechanics and enhance their effectiveness, appears to be a key part of the equation as they look to unlock Crochet’s full potential.
The rumors surrounding a potential contract extension stem from the Red Sox’s interest in securing Crochet for the long haul. While he has yet to reach his full potential, the Red Sox are hoping that a strong relationship with the young pitcher will lead to an agreement that locks him up for several years. Both the team and Crochet are reportedly discussing the framework for a deal, with the idea of guaranteeing financial security while also offering a pathway for the player to prove his worth.
For Crochet, a contract extension would provide him with financial stability after coming off a challenging recovery period from surgery. Given the volatility of a pitcher’s career, especially one coming off an injury, locking in a long-term deal would give him the peace of mind to focus on his performance without the looming uncertainty of free agency or injury concerns.
For the Red Sox, a contract extension would provide a sense of continuity and stability to their bullpen. While there is risk involved—given that Crochet’s health and full recovery are still concerns—locking up a high-potential lefty in his mid-20s could pay dividends for the team down the road. If Crochet is able to bounce back and remain healthy, he could become a vital piece of the Red Sox pitching staff for many seasons, offering both value and flexibility.
The future of Garrett Crochet with the Red Sox remains uncertain, but the team is clearly making an investment in his potential. Should they reach an agreement on a contract extension, it would reflect both trust in his abilities and an acknowledgment that his upside could help propel the Red Sox back into postseason contention. In any case, both sides appear to recognize the value of a long-term relationship, and the coming months could provide further clarity on the outcome of these extension talks.
As of now, the Red Sox are poised to take advantage of the opportunity presented by Garrett Crochet’s talent and potential. If the two sides can work out a deal, it could mark a significant step in the Red Sox’s plans to build a more dynamic and formidable pitching staff in the coming years.
