How Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet Addressed Contract Extension Rumors

Garrett Crochet elevated the Boston Red Sox rotation from the moment they acquired him in a significant deal from the Chicago White Sox.

The next priority for Boston is locking up the talented left-hander for the long-term future with an already-deserved contract extension. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported earlier in the week that the two sides engaged in early conversations. Crochet took time Saturday to address that status with the Red Sox.

“Staying in Boston long-term is something that has a lot of merit in my mind,” Crochet told reporters at “Fenway Fest” Saturday. “It’s something that I think would be awesome. In the meantime, focused on the spring and getting ready for the upcoming season. Trying to stay focused one day at a time.”

Crochet continued: “There have been conversations with my agent just getting a feel for one another. … As of this moment, that’s what I’m doing is worrying about on-field stuff and I’m going to continue to do that throughout the season. I’m happy to just stay in my own lane. That’s why players have agents.”

Crochet cemented his spot as an elite starter last season with an All-Star candidacy and over 200 strikeouts in under 150 innings. His college coach at Tennessee, Tony Vitello, recently spoke with NESN.com about how the new Red Sox ace can flourish in Boston after a dive into his development.