Red Sox give Garrett Crochet $170 million contract after blockbuster trade
The Red Sox got their guy and paid him like the ace they think he will be.Newly acquired lefty hurler Garrett Crochet and the Red Sox agreed to a six-year contract worth $170 million on Monday night, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.The deal includes an opt-out after 2030.Crochet was traded to the Red Sox in December after being floated in multiple trade deadline offers by the White Sox in 2024.In an attempt to save his arm and get long-term financial security, Crochet made several unusual trade demands for any team looking to acquire the 25-year-old starter, including innings limits and an extension ultimatum if you traded for him for the playoff run in 2024.
Crochet scared away the Dodgers, Padres, and others last season, frustrating the White Sox, who believe it tanked his trade value.His payday is by far the largest contract given to a pitcher with four-plus years of accrued service time.The previous record was when the Mets signed Jacob DeGrom to a five-year, $137.5 million contract in 2019.Boston traded top catching prospect Kyle Teel, as well as outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez for Crochet.Crochet was previously a reliever in Chicago but burst onto the scene in 2024 as he made the All-Star team in his first season as a starter.He finished 2024 with a 3.58 ERA and an impressive 209 strikeouts in 146 innings pitched.In his first start with the Red Sox, he gave up two runs over five innings with seven strikeouts in a 5-2 win over the Rangers.However, that Opening Day victory is still the only win Boston has this season as they have dropped four straight since.
Star third baseman Rafael Devers is 0-for-19 with 15 strikeouts while looking dejected on the bench.Devers has had a tumultuous back and forth with Red Sox management, previously refusing to be a designated hitter after the Red Sox made another massive move in the offseason, signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract to play third...