Garrett Crochet’s self-imposed deadline for securing an extension by Opening Day passed without a deal. However, less than a week later, Crochet and the Red Sox reached an agreement on a lucrative extension. On Monday, the Red Sox and Crochet finalized a six-year, $170 million extension, marking the highest guaranteed sum for a player with over four years of MLB service.

The substantial financial offer was undoubtedly a key factor in Crochet’s decision, but his new coaches and teammates left a lasting impression following his trade to Boston in December. “Entering a new clubhouse is never easy,” Crochet shared with reporters. “But since Fan Fest, I felt immediately at home, embraced by Boston as a whole.” At 25, Crochet was under team control until the end of 2026. As his potential free agency approached, it was likely he could have secured a record-breaking deal for a left-handed pitcher had he waited.

Additionally, Crochet was among the top pitchers in the American League last year, with a 3.58 ERA and 12.9 strikeouts per nine innings, which would have led MLB if he had pitched enough innings to qualify. Instead of holding out for a potential $200 million deal, Crochet appreciated what the Red Sox offered on and off the field, which gave him the confidence to commit long-term. “When you consider the organization as a whole, it’s inviting and well-managed,” Crochet commented.

“The talent throughout ensures we can compete for years. With people like Sam Kennedy, Craig Breslow, and Alex Cora, I felt a warm welcome. They treat players well, even in the minors. It’s a well-run organization that I’m excited to join.” For Crochet, this extension concludes a narrative that loomed over him for much of the past year. Previously seen as a prime trade candidate by the July deadline, Crochet insisted any acquiring team extend his contract if he were to pitch in the postseason.

Consequently, he stayed with the White Sox through the season’s end. As the offseason began, he again became a trade prospect, anticipating an extension from any team trading for him. Both the Red Sox and Crochet expressed a desire for a long-term deal upon his acquisition in December. Unlike before, Crochet was open to pausing extension talks by setting the Opening Day deadline. Crochet believed recent months illustrated the power players have in shaping their futures. “Who knows what might have happened if we hadn’t taken a stand? As a player, control is rare,” Crochet said.

“But it led me to a team like the Red Sox, who wanted mutual commitment. Hopefully, it reminds players they have more control than they realize. I’m thankful to be a Red Sox.” With the extension signed, Crochet can focus on pitching for the Red Sox for years to come. In his first start post-deal, he pitched eight scoreless innings against the Orioles, throwing 102 pitches, his second-most in a game. Given the investment, the Red Sox will expect similar performances from Crochet as he steps into a full-time ace role. “It aligns with how I conduct myself on and off the field.

I feel I embody leadership qualities that accompany such a contract, so it naturally fits,” Crochet said about his leadership role. “Being myself, it’s always been who I am—leading by example and speaking up when necessary. My personality shines in crucial games.” Even though it took time to finalize the extension, Crochet sensed he wanted to stay in Boston soon after the trade. “I felt at home right away,” Crochet said. “They made an immediate impact, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to wear a Red Sox uniform for years to come.”