As per sources, the Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with left-hander Garrett Crochet for a six-year contract extension of $170 million. The contract will commence in 2026 and has an opt-out after the 2030 season when Crochet will be 31 years old. The extension is the largest ever awarded to a pitcher for more than four years of service time, surpassing Jacob deGrom’s five-year, $137.5 million contract in 2019 with the New York Mets.
Crochet, 25, was purchased by the Red Sox over the winter meetings in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Boston traded catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez to Chicago in exchange. The transaction indicated Boston’s determination to strengthen their starting rotation and move from decades of mediocrity into contention.
Despite having pitched only 224 innings in total as a career and thus far making it through only four seasons, Crochet has shown promising capabilities. He entered the majors as a reliever in 2020 and 2021, missed the entire 2022 season following Tommy John surgery, and then returned to the bullpen in 2023. Transitioning to a starting role in 2024, he posted a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts in 146 innings, earning his first All-Star nod and the American League Comeback Player of the Year award.
This clearly shows that the Red Sox mean what they say by not only offering Crochet such a huge sum of money with no deferred payment but also by putting their faith in his abilities. Crochet’s opt-out after 2030 enables him to kickstart his free agency journey while still maintaining a younger age.
Crochet made his Red Sox debut on March 27, with a fine display against the Texas Rangers, helping secure a 5-2 victory for Boston. He pitched five innings and permitted two runs with two walks and four strikeouts.
Fans and analysts are also in awe of the extension. The decision puts to rest fears of what the future holds for Crochet with the team, with supporters able to enjoy his performance on the field without the pressure of contract issues.
With each passing game of the 2025 season, Crochet will be a key member of the Red Sox rotation. His high-speed fastball, backed by a newly learned cutter, makes him one of the top left-handed starters in the league. The investment by Boston speaks to their hopes that he will be the leader of the pitching staff and make substantial contributions to the team’s victories over the next few seasons.
