In the cut-throat world of professional sports, where loyalty is fleeting and players are often reduced to stats on a spreadsheet, Garrett Crochet chose to go against the grain and take a stand for himself. The Red Sox pitcher, whose contract extension demands made him a victim of the fans’ unforgiving judgment, is now setting the record straight once and for all.
The 25-year-old has already navigated a labyrinth of injury setbacks (elbow, shoulder, etc.) in his career. Each one tested his resolve as he strived to forge a career in MLB, where despite his enormous talent, he has only registered 32 starts so far. So just when he began to find some stability, the rumors of a looming trade threatened to uproot everything he had worked so hard for.
Crochet then decided to prioritize his health and career. He announced his intention to not pitch in the offseason unless he was given a contract extension by whichever team acquired him. However, his plea was misconstrued, and he was labeled “greedy.” He finally had the chance to clear the air during his appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. He said:
“I know when it came out a lot of people were looking at me as greedy. 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. I was having a good year, and I was staying healthy for the first time in my career. Now I’m starting on a set routine, and I’m able to go out and perform. Why should I jeopardize that for a team I don’t really owe anything to?”
Fascinating explanation from Garrett Crochet on his stance last July about needing a contract extension to pitch in the postseason:
“I don’t owe a team that I’m not on anything. For me, that was the way to protect myself.”
(via @BBisntBoring // @bradfo)
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— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) March 3, 2025
The Boston Red Sox clearly agreed with Garrett Crochet, as they approached him with an extension this winter. Despite his limited showing in the role, the 25-year-old has already shown what he’s capable of. The Red Sox are aware of the challenges they could face for him if he goes into free agency after the 2026 season. Crochet has currently signed a one-year, $3,800,000 contract with the Red Sox.
His arbitration earnings were limited due to his past injuries and his usage out of the White Sox’s bullpen. But now that he’s coming off one full season as a starter, it will be interesting to see what his asking price will be. According to a report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal last year, Crochet will likely make $10 to $15 million in arbitration over the next two years. However, it will be interesting to see if the Red Sox do end up making that offer, considering they still have two seasons to decide.
Regardless, Crochet’s story offers an interesting insight into a professional sportsperson’s struggle in balancing their personal interests with their team’s demands. And despite the threat of his career once derailing because of injuries, his transition into a starting role has now effectively increased his value by several folds.
Garrett Crochet’s salary vs. comparable pitchers
Garrett Crochet’s move to the Red Sox is more than just a change of scenery. His decisions from here on will dictate his financial future. Despite the amazing showing last season, he will be aware that the implications of his performance every time he steps on the mound now will weigh much heavier than they have ever been.
With the southpaw approaching arbitration eligibility, the stakes are much higher now, both for him and his team. The Red Sox, who are betting on him despite his injury-riddled past, will scrutinize all his pitches and his strikeouts. Should he come out of this smelling of roses, he could aim for a similar or higher figure than the $6.2 million Jesus Luzardo secured.
Should he remain injury-free, though, Luis Castillo’s five-year, $108 million contract with the Mariners could very well also become a reality in the future?
Crochet could also make smart moves in free agency if he establishes himself as a top-tier starter. However, failing to do so could significantly reduce his earning potential.
Blake Snell recently signed a five-year contract worth $182 million with the Dodgers after going into free agency last season. Corbin Burnes also became a free agent last season before signing a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks. However, a mid-rotation starter like Jack Flaherty picked up a two-year, $35 million contract with the Tigers after going into free agency last season. Not too shabby, but when compared to the previous salaries, it pales in both money and length.
Coming back to Crochet, his situation is a compelling narrative of risk that has the potential of being equally rewarding. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for him in the future. Should he rise to the occasion, though, the Red Sox will definitely not mind loosening their purse strings to keep him, lest they risk losing him to free agency?
The post “Why Should I Jeopardize?” – Red Sox’s $3.8 Million Pitcher Fires Back at Naysayers With a Defiant Take on Contract Extension Saga appeared first on EssentiallySports.