Red Sox's Garrett Crochet Speaks Out on Contract Drama and Transition to Starter

In a move that sparked plenty of chatter, the Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox last December. Not long after his arrival, Crochet made headlines by requesting a long-term contract extension—a bold step for a player just stepping into a new clubhouse.

The timing of his request certainly raised eyebrows. The White Sox had reportedly struggled to find trade partners for Crochet before last season's trade deadline, and his 2024 season was marked by innings restrictions. Despite that, the 25-year-old pitched an impressive 146 innings, solidifying his potential as a starter.

With opening day fast approaching, Crochet is expected to take the mound for the Red Sox. Ahead of this milestone, the pitcher decided to address the perception of him as a "greedy" player, a label that emerged after his contract demands went public.

"I know when it came out a lot of people were looking [at it] as greedy," Crochet said during an appearance on the podcast Baseball Isn't Boring. He clarified that his push for an extension was less about financial security and more about redefining his role in the league.

"I didn’t, by no means, feel like I was demanding it because I wanted money or security by itself. It was more so in the fact that I was establishing myself as a starter and kind of getting away from the idea that teams viewed me as a potential high-end reliever," he explained.

Crochet's journey from reliever to starter has been anything but smooth. In 2021, he made 54 appearances out of the bullpen for the White Sox. However, injuries plagued him in 2020, 2022, and 2023, limiting his opportunities on the mound. Last season marked a turning point as he transitioned to the starting rotation, making 32 starts and finishing with a solid 3.58 ERA.

Health was a key factor in his breakout season. "I was having a good year, and I was staying healthy for the first time in my career," Crochet noted. He reflected on his past setbacks, including a flexor strain in 2020 and back issues in 2021. "Then I blow out. … Now I’m starting on a set routine, and I’m feeling good every fifth day. And I’m able to go out and perform. Why should I jeopardize that for a team I don’t really owe anything to?"

For now, Crochet's focus is on the upcoming season, but the contract drama isn't entirely in the rearview mirror. Without an extension, he’ll be eligible for free agency after the 2026 season. Whether he remains with the Red Sox or tests the market, one thing is clear: Garrett Crochet is determined to chart his own course as a starter.