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While the Boston Red Sox are now seeking to have their new ace a long-term fixture at Fenway Park, Garrett Crochet wants a contract extension.

Garrett Crochet was one of the largest trade items the White Sox had at the trade deadline; yet, his wish for an extension stopped a move. He completed the season in Chicago before the Red Sox bought him in a stunning deal last December.

Red Sox Pursuing Extended Deal with Garrett Crochet
Though Boston wants a long-term contract sooner rather than later, the 25-year-old southpaw will not enter free agency until following the 2026 season.

Crochet is a first-time All-Star from the White Sox, off a stellar year. Making 32 starts in 2024, the reliever-turned-ace has a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts across a career-high 146 innings. Over 107 ½ innings, Crochet recorded a 3.02 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in the first half of the season.

Leading the league with 150 strikeouts and a 12.6 strikeout-per- 9-innings ratio approaching the All-Star Break, he also led At end, this will make the most sought-after starting pitcher on the trade market the reigning AL Comeback Player of the Year.

Boston obviously wants to keep Crochet long-term after sacrificing two top 100 prospects to acquire him. Not yet, though, any agreement has been achieved. With one more arbitration season left, crochet will bring in $3.8 million this season, giving Boston an ace-caliber arm at a rather reasonable price.

According to Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, last month he and Garrett “are still getting to know each other.” Calling the young southern paw someone who may “help our team in the short term and maybe in the long term.”

While leaving contract issues to his agent, Crochet is concentrating on his first Red Sox Spring Training. When he spoke with the media earlier this month, he withheld whether or not any negotiations had started. He wants to know his value even if he sees Boston ahead and considers the long-term security appealing.

After spending his first four big league seasons in the bullpen, Crochet’s first season as a starter last year Though last season was his first year with the full load, his aptitude is clear.

After being chosen in 2020, crochet pitched six innings; then, following 54 ⅓ innings, got season-ending Tommy John surgery. Before getting back to the White Sox bullpen for 12 ½ innings in 2023, he missed the whole 2022 campaign. Chicago kept him under restriction in the second half last year, not for more than four innings in a start following June.

Still, ESPN’s Jeff Passan forecasts his asking price will be over nine figures despite his injury history and few innings. The camp for Crochet may compare him to Tyler Glasnow, who following the Dodgers trade obtained a four-year, $110 million agreement.

At the time Glasnow was one year away from free agency, and his career income far exceeded Crochet’s. Crochet, however, is an additional season away from free agency and exceeded Glasnow’s 134 frame career high last season.

For Crochet, a deal between $20 million and $25 million in average yearly worth sounds fair. Though the Red Sox could wish one better season under his belt before making such a committed investment.