A sluggish begin to 2025 is not deterring the Boston Pink Sox from going huge.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Monday evening that 25-year-old left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet and the Pink Sox agreed to a six-year, $170M extension.
The information comes simply months after Boston acquired Crochet in an offseason commerce with the Chicago White Sox for a prospect bundle that included highly-touted catcher Kyle Teel.
Crochet, with simply 33 profession begins and 224 innings to his identify, units a brand new report for pitchers who’ve 4 or fewer years of MLB service time.
It could appear dangerous to increase a younger arm with such a restricted prior observe report, but when something, it is a fairly shrewd transfer by the Pink Sox’s entrance workplace for a number of causes.
First, the 2024 All-Star is simply 25 years previous, along with his prime years firmly forward of him. Provided that ace pitchers recurrently go for over $30M on the open market, it is probably Crochet would’ve fetched a considerably greater quantity in free company in 2026.
Second, the shortage of mileage on his arm really works to his benefit. Positive, Crochet does have an harm historical past, however when it comes to innings pitched, he is extra like a “younger” 25 with quite a bit left within the tank, presumably. Usually, much less put on and tear on a pitcher’s arm is best for the lengthy haul.
Moreover, think about that older pitchers like Taijuan Walker of the Philadelphia Phillies and Marcus Stroman of the New York Yankees, neither of whom even sniff Crochet’s expertise stage, are each making near $20M per season. Pitching is pricey as of late, so why not safe your ace of the longer term for what may show to be beneath market worth?
General, the Pink Sox did properly to increase Crochet, whereas the 25-year-old has additionally clamored for an extension previously, which he now has. Looks as if a win for all sides.
