Hours before MLB's arbitration deadline, news broke that the Boston Red Sox and recently acquired pitcher Garrett Crochet have discussed a potential contract extension.
Crochet pitched to a 3.58 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings for the 2024 White Sox, the worst team in MLB history. His stellar performance earned him plenty of attention as a potential trade deadline acquisition over the summer, but the lefty refused to pitch in the postseason without an extension, which kept him in Chicago for the rest of the campaign.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive was the first to report Boston's extension conversations with Crochet. The two sides prioritize a one-year agreement to avoid arbitration for now, but discussions about a longer deal have transpired. It's unclear how close the two sides are to an agreement.
The Red Sox acquired Crochet from the White Sox with two years of control remaining on his contract. Despite the lefty never pitching an inning for Boston, it's in the team's best interest to sign him long-term before he potentially raises his value further in 2025.
Red Sox and new ace Garrett Crochet have discussed a contract extension
Garrett Crochet, ladies and gentlemen. pic.twitter.com/hfigD4iaO6
— Red Sox (@RedSox) December 11, 2024
Crochet is still just 25, so a five-year deal could make sense for him. He would hit the free agent market again before his age-30 season and the Red Sox would avoid signing a megadeal for a pitcher, of which the organization has become so afraid in recent years.
Brayan Bello signed a team-friendly extension last season for six years at $55 million. The Red Sox also had extension discussions with Tanner Houck last offseason, and the team could extend him to buy out his later arbitration years. The righty also needs to agree on an arbitration salary with Boston before the Jan. 9 deadline alongside Crochet, Jarren Duran and Kutter Crawford.