Red Sox’s Crochet Open to Long-Term Extension Talks

Newly-acquired Red Sox left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet attended Fenway Fest in Boston on Saturday, where he addressed reporters about ongoing discussions regarding a potential long-term contract extension. The 25-year-old pitcher, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a trade last month, expressed openness to staying in Boston beyond his current two-year contract.

“There have been conversations with my agent and the front office, just kind of getting a feel for one another,” Crochet said, as reported by MassLive‘s Chris Cotillo. “Staying in Boston long-term is something that has a lot of merit in my mind and something I think would be awesome. In the meantime, I’m just focusing on spring and getting ready for the upcoming season, trying to stay focused one day at a time. When something’s presented, then we’ll attack it.”

Crochet, who transitioned from a relief role to a starting pitcher last season, had a breakout year with the White Sox. He posted a 3.58 ERA over 146 innings, with a 2.69 FIP and a striking 35.1% strikeout rate. His performance on a struggling White Sox team made him a prime trade target, and the Red Sox acquired him in exchange for a package that included top prospects Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery.

The left-hander’s injury history, including Tommy John surgery in 2020, has made a long-term deal appealing to him. Crochet previously stated that he would only exceed his innings limit for a postseason run if an extension was in place. While no deal was reached before the trade, his comments suggest a willingness to negotiate with Boston.

Red Sox top prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer also spoke at Fenway Fest, revealing that neither has been approached about a pre-debut extension. Such deals are rare but have become more common in recent years, with players like Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers and Colt Keith of the Detroit Tigers signing lucrative contracts before their MLB debuts.

Crochet’s potential extension could follow the path of other young Red Sox pitchers like Brayan Bello, who signed a six-year, $55 million deal last year. However, Crochet’s injury history and limited track record as a starter may complicate negotiations. Reports from last summer suggested he was seeking a nine-figure deal, but the specifics of such an offer remain unclear.

As the Red Sox prepare for the 2024 season, Crochet’s performance will be closely watched. His ability to anchor the rotation could determine whether Boston pursues a long-term commitment or opts for a more cautious approach.