Red Sox News: Disappointing Update on Garrett Crochet Extension Talks

The Boston Red Sox made their big splash on the trade market this past offseason, securing the ace for their rotation they'd been longing for. But we're getting a disappointing update on extension talks for Garrett Crochet.

A source with knowledge of the talks told MassLive late Friday that a Crochet extension is less than likely before he starts for the Red Sox on Opening Day (Thursday). There is believed to be a large gap between the sides at present.

Crochet acknowledged that reality in a tacit… https://t.co/QP1ypXrRch
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 22, 2025

MassLive's Chris Cotillo is reporting that an extension "is less than likely" before Crochet's Opening Day start this coming Thursdsay. In fact, says Cotillo, "a large gap" is thought to exist between the Red Sox and the Crochet camp.

“I think that right now, we’re just looking forward to getting through the season,” Crochet said, which is another way of saying, 'no deal' without saying 'no deal.' The pitcher has already said that he is not interested in talking contract once the season begins.

The 25-year-old has another year of team control through arbitration in 2026, before he can become a free agent in 2027.

Interestingly, Crochet's no-talk-during-the-season stance is quite contrary to what he said last year while still with the Chicago White Sox, when he basically tanked his trade value at the deadline in July by stating that he would not pitch for any team in the playoffs for any team that acquired him unless they gave him a long-term extension first.

But in another ominous development on whether or not Crochet would sign with the BoSox long-term, team president Sam Kennedy said on Boston radio earlier this week, "He and his family need to decide if Boston where they want to be, and as the three of us (in the radio booth) know, it’s not for everybody.”

Hmm. Not exactly a promising comment.

Nevertheless, Crochet absolutely dominated in the Grapefruit League this spring, posting a ridiculous 0.53 ERA in 15.2 innings, with an equally silly 30:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio, for a 17.2 K/9 mark.

Last season, his breakout year, Crochet recorded a 3.58 ERA with the lowly White Sox, with a 1.07 WHIP and 12.9 K/9, while earning an All-Star nod. The Red Sox sent the Pale Hole four good prospects in a trade to acquire Crochet this past offseason.

They now have two years to convince him that Boston is the place for him and his family.