Sam Kennedy Addresses Possible Red Sox Contract Extension For Garrett Crochet

The Boston Red Sox already invested plenty into Garrett Crochet when they traded away four high-level prospects to obtain the ace pitcher this offseason.

But the Red Sox might look to put even more faith into Crochet by giving him a contract extension.

Crochet is under team control for this season and next, but after an All-Star campaign in 2023 as a first-time starting pitcher, a dominant spring training and his budding potential, the Red Sox understandably want to see the 6-foot-5, 245-pound lefty in a Boston uniform for a long time.

Crochet gave his thoughts on a possible contract extension throughout spring training, and on Wednesday, Red Sox CEO and president Sam Kennedy addressed the situation.

“We would obviously love to have him a part of the organization for a long time,” Kennedy told WEEI. “You’ve seen a little glimpse of what hopefully is to come. He and his family need to decide is Boston where they want to be. As the three of us know, it’s not for everybody. But I think given his mindset and makeup, he’ll have a lot of success here if that’s what he chooses.”

Crochet told WEEI earlier this week he set Opening Day as the deadline to get an extension deal done with the Red Sox.

The Red Sox might have to blow Crochet away with an offer to reach an agreement before then. The 25-year-old might prefer to bet on himself and line up an even bigger payday down the road if he turns in a terrific 2025 season.

It looks like it could turn out that way given what Crochet showed this spring. He struck out 21 batters in 10 1/3 innings while posting a 0.87 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts. Getting hitters to swing-and-miss is Crochet’s forte as he racked up 209 strikeouts in 146 innings last season with the Chicago White Sox.

The Red Sox could always wait until next offseason to strike a deal with Crochet. Kennedy said they are trying to exercise some patience, but locking him into a long-term contract now might be in the best interest of the Red Sox.

“We are making it a priority to try to extend a lot of our own players that are currently under control, and he would fit into that category,” Kennedy said. “Excited about conversations there, but we also don’t want to push too hard and rush it if it’s not the right timeframe.”