The Boston Red Sox have locked up their ace pitcher Garrett Crochet with a massive six-year, $170 million contract extension.
The deal kicks in for the 2026 season and gives Crochet the option to opt out after 2030, when he’ll be 31 years old.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the contract includes no deferred money and sets a new record for pitchers with between four and five years of MLB service time.
Boston acquired the 25-year-old lefty from the Chicago White Sox in December as the centerpiece of a five-player trade. The move is already looking smart.
Crochet transformed himself from reliever to starter last season with Chicago and the results were impressive. He posted a 3.58 ERA with a stellar 2.23 FIP while striking out 209 batters and walking just 33 in 146 innings.
That breakout performance earned him his first All-Star selection.
Before 2023, Crochet had only worked out of the bullpen since being drafted 11th overall in 2020 from the University of Tennessee.
There’s definitely some risk for the Red Sox. Crochet has a limited track record as a starter and has dealt with injuries in the past.
But his stuff is electric. The velocity and dominance he’s shown as a starter made this a gamble worth taking for Boston.
In his Red Sox debut this season, Crochet allowed two runs over five innings against the Texas Rangers.
The extension buys out at least four years of free agency that would have begun after the 2026 season.
This move signals Boston’s commitment to building a contender after several years of cutting payroll and rebuilding. With their mix of established players, young talent in the system, and financial resources, the Red Sox are positioning themselves for sustained success.
The spending might not stop with Crochet. Boston is reportedly in talks with rising star Kristian Campbell about a potential long-term deal as well.
