Mar 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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Garrett Crochet Extension: Red Sox Lock In New Ace With Record Six-Year, $170M Deal

Red Sox have locked in their ace!

In a bold move that signals their intent to compete at the highest level, the Boston Red Sox have secured their new ace for the long haul, signing left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet to a record-breaking six-year, $170 million extension. The deal, which begins in 2026, marks the largest contract ever for a pitcher with over four years of MLB service. The new deal surpasses the five-year, $137.5 million contract Jacob deGrom signed with the New York Mets in 2019, making it a historic win for the Red Sox.

Garrett Crochet's $170 million deal with the Red Sox does not include any deferred money, per sources. The previous record for a 4+ player was Jacob deGrom's five-year, $137.5 million deal, which included an opt-out after the fourth season. Crochet can opt out at 31 years old.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 1, 2025

The 25-year-old Crochet, acquired in a high-profile trade with the Chicago White Sox this past December, has shown flashes of brilliance since transitioning from a reliever to a starting pitcher. After a standout 2024 season, which saw him post a solid 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings, Crochet earned his first All-Star selection. In the trade that sent catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth, and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez to Chicago, the Red Sox made it clear they were ready to shift gears from years of mediocrity to serious contention.

Crochet’s performance in 2024, his first full season as a starter, was nothing short of impressive. He delivered a dominant 2.23 FIP to go along with his solid ERA, proving that his potential as a starter could be realized at the highest level. However, his new contract carries some risk for Boston, as it comes with a relatively brief track record as a starting pitcher and a history of injuries. Even so, his raw talent, high velocity, and flashes of dominance are undeniable, making him a valuable long-term asset for the Red Sox rotation.

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While the Red Sox have added other key players like third baseman Alex Bregman (three-year, $120 million deal) and right-hander Walker Buehler (one-year, $21.05 million), it’s Crochet who represents the centerpiece of their offseason moves. His debut with the Red Sox was a promising start, as he pitched five innings against Texas in a no-decision, further cementing the team’s confidence in his ability to anchor their pitching staff.

This contract is a statement by the Red Sox that they believe in Crochet’s potential to lead the rotation for years to come. It’s a big investment in a pitcher who has all the tools to be one of the game’s best, despite the small sample size. With this extension, Boston is making a clear push to move beyond the middle of the pack and back into contention for championships. Only time will tell if Crochet can live up to the massive expectations that come with his new, record-setting deal.

Garrett Crochet

Red Sox

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.