Former Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet, now a member of the Boston Red Sox, opened up in a recent interview about his trade from Chicago to Boston.
Garrett Crochet’s Career with the White Sox
Drafted 11th overall in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, the 25-year-old Garrett Crochet quickly lived up to his billing as the most polished pitcher in his draft class. A University of Tennessee standout, Crochet ascended through the minor leagues rapidly, making his MLB debut on September 18, 2020, against the Cincinnati Reds, where he struck out two batters in a single inning.
Initially utilized as a reliever, Crochet transitioned to a starting role, showcasing his talent after recovering from Tommy John surgery. In his first full season as a starter, Crochet made 32 starts, finishing with a 6-12 record, a 3.58 ERA, 209 strikeouts, and a 1.068 WHIP across 146 innings. His advanced metrics were equally impressive, ranking in the 99th percentile for fastball run value (21), 98th percentile for strikeout rate (35.1%), and 93rd percentile for chase rate (33.5%) and whiff rate (33.1%). With an average fastball velocity of 97.2 mph and exceptional extension off the mound, Crochet’s perceived velocity felt even higher, making his fastball particularly daunting for hitters. Despite his dominance, he surprisingly received no Cy Young votes.
Garrett Crochet on His Trade to the Red Sox
Speaking with NESN’s Tom Caron at Fenway Fest, the 6’6” lefty shared his perspective on the trade:
“Going back to last year’s trade deadline, it was something I kind of expected—the writing was on the wall. When the offseason hit, my wife and I started discussing potential teams, and the Red Sox stood out. This was our top choice, and we’re thrilled it worked out. The idea of joining a young, up-and-coming team in Boston was exciting.”
Since joining the Red Sox, there has been speculation about a potential contract extension, which was recently confirmed by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Both Crochet and the Red Sox have engaged in open discussions, signaling mutual interest in a long-term deal. After enduring a challenging 2023 season with the White Sox, who were historically one of the worst teams in MLB, Crochet is eager for a fresh start with a Boston team aiming to reclaim its competitive edge.
The Red Sox’s Outlook
The Red Sox’s recent roster moves have positioned them well for a resurgence, though they still need a right-handed hitter to balance their left-heavy lineup. If they can secure an extension with Crochet—who remains under team control for two more seasons before free agency—they could emerge as a formidable force in the AL East. For Crochet, a fresh start in Boston offers the opportunity to thrive, while the White Sox hope their return package, including top catching prospect Kyle Teel, pays dividends.
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