Just hours before MLB’s arbitration deadline, reports emerged that the Boston Red Sox and newly acquired pitcher Garrett Crochet have been in talks about a possible contract extension.
In 2024, Crochet posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP, along with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings for the Chicago White Sox, the league’s worst team that year. His impressive performance garnered attention as a potential trade target during the summer, but he refused to pitch in the postseason without an extension, keeping him in Chicago for the rest of the season.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive first reported the discussions between the Red Sox and Crochet regarding an extension. While both parties are focused on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration for now, they have also had talks about a longer contract. It remains unclear how close they are to finalizing an agreement.
The Red Sox acquired Crochet from the White Sox with two years left on his contract. Even though he has yet to pitch for Boston, it’s in the team’s best interest to secure him long-term before his value potentially rises in 2025.
At 25, a five-year deal could be a good fit for Crochet, allowing him to hit free agency before his 30s, while Boston avoids locking into a large contract for a pitcher, which has become a concern for the organization in recent years.
Last season, Brayan Bello signed a six-year, $55 million team-friendly extension. The Red Sox also discussed extensions with Tanner Houck last offseason, and the team may look to extend him as well, buying out some of his later arbitration years. Before the January 9 deadline, Houck, Crochet, Jarren Duran, and Kutter Crawford still need to settle their arbitration salaries with the team.
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