Red Sox Extend Garrett Crochet: Boston’s Rotation of the Future?

By Oliver Wiener July 02, 2025 05:43

The Boston Red Sox have made a bold statement about their future rotation by agreeing to a record-breaking six-year, $170 million contract extension with left-handed ace Garrett Crochet. The deal, which begins in 2026 and includes a player opt-out after the 2030 season, solidifies Crochet as the cornerstone of Boston’s pitching staff for years to come and marks the largest contract ever awarded to a pitcher with between four and five years of MLB service time.

Acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade with the Chicago White Sox, Crochet quickly established himself as Boston’s new ace. In 2024, his first full season as a starter after converting from a reliever, Crochet posted a 3.58 ERA with a 2.23 FIP, striking out 209 batters while walking only 33 across 146 innings. His strikeout total ranked seventh in all of Major League Baseball, underscoring his dominance on the mound. Prior to 2024, Crochet had pitched exclusively out of the bullpen and missed the 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, making his rapid rise even more impressive.

The Red Sox’s commitment to Crochet reflects both his elite stuff and their confidence in his long-term durability and development. Boston’s front office was willing to part with four top prospects, including two first-round picks, to acquire him, signaling their belief that Crochet is the ace around whom they want to build their rotation. General Manager Craig Breslow and the organization see Crochet as a key piece in their quest to return to championship contention.

“This extension is a huge step in the right direction for Boston,” said WBZ-TV analyst Dan Roche. “It shows the Red Sox are serious about winning now and for the long haul. It sends a message to free agents and the league that Boston is committed to building a winning franchise with young, elite talent.”

Financially, the contract is structured to pay Crochet a $4 million signing bonus followed by a $24 million salary in 2026, then escalating to $28 million annually through 2030, and $30 million in 2031. The deal does not include deferred money and features performance escalators and a conditional club option for 2032, making it one of the most lucrative and team-friendly deals for a young pitcher in recent memory.

Crochet’s extension also addresses a key need for Boston, which has struggled with rotation consistency in recent years. His ability to generate strikeouts while limiting walks (33 unintentional walks in 146 innings) and maintain a sub-4.00 ERA positions him as a true frontline starter. His velocity and pitch mix highlighted by a devastating slider and high-90s fastball make him a nightmare for opposing hitters.

In his debut as a Red Sox starter in March 2025, Crochet pitched five innings against the Texas Rangers, allowing two runs while striking out four, demonstrating poise and control on Opening Day.

With this extension, Boston has locked in a young ace who can anchor their rotation for the next half-decade, complementing emerging arms and veteran pitchers. As the Red Sox continue to build around Crochet, the future looks promising for a rotation that could rival the best in baseball.

In summary, Garrett Crochet’s six-year, $170 million extension is a landmark deal that secures Boston’s pitching future, rewarding a young star who has quickly emerged as one of the game’s premier starters. This commitment underscores the Red Sox’s ambitions to compete at the highest level for years to come.