Starting Pitcher Garrett Crochet and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a record-setting 6-year, $170 million contract extension. The deal keeps the lefty ace in Beantown until at least the 2030 season, with a player option in 2031. Crochet, 25, was acquired by the Red Sox this offseason from the Chicago White Sox. Crochet had a breakout season in 2024, his first after converting from relief pitcher. He struck out 209 last year and only walked 33 on his way to his first All-Star Game appearance.
Record-Setting Contract Extension for Starting Pitcher
This is the largest deal ever for a pitcher with between 4 and 5 years of MLB service time. The previous record was held by 2014 NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom. Garrett Crochet will be 31 years old when he can exercise his player option. There are reports that Crochet could earn an extra $2 million annually based on where he finishes in the Cy Young race and up to $10 million more in other escalators.
Garrett Crochet Looks to Build on 2024 Dominance with Boston
The 6’6 Crochet finished his 2024 campaign with a 3.58 ERA and the best strikeout rate of any starting pitcher in baseball. The Red Sox made one of the biggest trades this offseason to acquire the 2020 first-round pick. They shipped 4 prospects to Chicago in a deal that included Boston’s 2 most recent first-round picks. The White Sox attempted to deal Crochet at the trade deadline last season. However, Crochet announced he would demand an extension before pitching for any team in the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
Although he only pitched 146 innings last season, the Red Sox are convinced their opening-day starter can handle the grueling workload of starting every 5 days for an entire MLB season. It should be noted that the former Tennessee Volunteer had Tommy John surgery in 2022, but Garrett Crochet was young and seems to have fully recovered. Crochet allowed 2 runs in his only start this season against the Texas Rangers. His next scheduled start is Wednesday, April 2, in Baltimore against the Orioles.
