A sluggish begin to 2025 is not deterring the Boston Red Sox from going large.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Monday evening that 25-year-old left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet and the Purple Sox agreed to a six-year, $170M extension.
The information comes simply months after Boston acquired Crochet in an offseason commerce with the Chicago White Sox for a prospect bundle that included highly-touted catcher Kyle Teel.
Crochet, with simply 33 career starts and 224 innings to his identify, units a brand new file for pitchers who’ve 4 or fewer years of MLB service time.
It could appear dangerous to increase a younger arm with such a restricted prior monitor file, but when something, this can be a fairly shrewd transfer by the Purple Sox’s entrance workplace for a couple of causes.
First, the 2024 All-Star is simply 25 years outdated, together with his prime years firmly forward of him. Provided that ace pitchers commonly go for over $30M on the open market, it is doubtless Crochet would’ve fetched a significantly higher amount in free agency in 2026.
Second, the shortage of mileage on his arm truly works to his benefit. Positive, Crochet does have an damage historical past, however by way of innings pitched, he is extra like a “younger” 25 with loads left within the tank, presumably. Usually, much less put on and tear on a pitcher’s arm is best for the lengthy haul.
Moreover, contemplate that older pitchers like Taijuan Walker of the Philadelphia Phillies and Marcus Stroman of the New York Yankees, neither of whom even sniff Crochet’s expertise degree, are each making near $20M per season. Pitching is pricey lately, so why not safe your ace of the long run for what might show to be beneath market worth?
Total, the Purple Sox did nicely to increase Crochet, whereas the 25-year-old has also clamored for an extension up to now, which he now has. Looks as if a win for all sides.
