Red Sox agree to one-year deal with Garrett Crochet, avoiding arbitration; two sides discussing extension
The Red Sox are reportedly talking with left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet on a potential contract extension, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Before the two sides can put pen to paper on a long-term commitment, they have other business to conduct.
Crochet and the Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $3.8 million deal, avoiding arbitration, according to Cotillo. MLBTradeRumors projected that Crochet will earn $2.9 million next season. Now that his salary is settled for next season, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and Crochet’s camp can continue to make progress on an extension.
While the southpaw was being introduced to the media on Zoom following the trade, he wouldn’t directly answer questions on the possibility of an extension with the Red Sox.
“I really haven’t had much time to give it a lot of thought,” he said. “At this time of year, the main thing that I’m focused on is my training and getting ready for spring training. Until I’m told otherwise, that’s going to be my main focus.”
Boston acquired the southpaw with two years of control left on his deal with the intention of wanting to extend him past the 2026 season. The club and Crochets representatives at CAA have been engaged in discussions about a longer-term deal outside of Thursday’s agreement.
Crochet, 25, was acquired by the Red Sox back in December for four prospects, Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez. The lefty was in his second year of arbitration and could sign an extension now with Boston while keeping the door open to hit free agency later in his career to land a massive contract.
It’s not known what kind of deal the two sides have discussed, but a five- or six-year deal could make sense. During the season, ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote that Crochet’s future deal could look similar to what the Dodgers paid Tyler Glasnow. The righty landed a four-year, $110 million deal with Los Angeles following his trade from Tampa Bay. Glasnow was one year from free agency, whereas Crochet is two years, which likely means he’ll see that fifth year on his deal.
Whatever happens from now until spring training, Crochet is the club’s top starter in the rotation, hopefully for the foreseeable future. An agreement with Crochet would send a message to the team, fanbase, and the rest of the organization that they’re focused on paying star players while making a financial commitment to young talent emerging from their deep farm system.
