MLB Rumors: Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Have 'Large Gap' in Contract Extension Talks

A reported "large gap" exists between left-handed starting pitcher Garrett Crochet and the Boston Red Sox in contract extension talks, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

As Cotillo noted via a source with knowledge of the conversations, it appears "less than likely" that Crochet will sign an extension before Opening Day on Thursday, when the 25-year-old southpaw is scheduled to start against the host Texas Rangers.

The Red Sox added Crochet via trade last December from the Chicago White Sox for four prospects, including catcher Kyle Teel (No. 32 on MLB.com's prospect rankings) and shortstop Colson Montgomery (No. 39).

Crochet, a 2024 All-Star, is under team control for two more seasons.

Last season, Crochet posted a 3.58 ERA (1.07 WHIP) with 209 strikeouts in 146.0 innings. His frames were limited down the stretch after missing all of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery and some of 2023 for the same reason.

Crochet only pitched 24 innings total over the minors and majors in 2023, but he burst onto the scene in 2024 with an impressive campaign.

Crochet was a highly touted prospect out of the University of Tennessee in 2020, when the White Sox selected him with the 11th overall pick in the MLB draft.

He's certainly fulfilled that promise and is on track for a big contract soon enough. Obviously, the Red Sox will do everything in their power to sign him to an extension, especially after trading four prized prospects.

In the interim, Crochet looks like he's about to have a monster season. He just struck out nine batters in a spring training game on Friday while lowering his ERA to 0.57 in the process.

That'll be his last outing until Thursday, when the new Boston staff ace gets the call against Texas.