Garrett Crochet transitioned from a bullpen role to an elite starting pitcher after initial use as a reliever despite starter experience at Tennessee. He earned a rotation opportunity, produced an All-Star season while managing innings during recovery from Tommy John surgery, and was traded to the Boston Red Sox before receiving a $170 million contract extension after one start. Crochet leads the American League in innings, posts a 2.38 ERA (third in MLB), and ranks second in overall strikeouts and punchouts per nine, trailing only Tarik Skubal in several categories. Crochet accepts and embodies the ace role.
Yet in not quite two seasons, Crochet has crafted a stunning rise. Talking his way into a shot at the White Sox rotation. Dominating in an All-Star campaign, even as his innings were limited on his way back from Tommy John surgery. Earning a trade to a contender, the Boston Red Sox, who pounced on his burgeoning dominance and signed him to a $170 million contract extension after just one start.
Let me try, Crochet told the White Sox and Red Sox. And then circumstances and his own talent and will crafted a new reality - Garret Crochet, ace - into existence. "I feel like I answered that question internally last year," Crochet tells USA TODAY Sports of his viability as a starter. "And then, once I signed the extension, it kind of became my only path. For better or worse, whether I want to be or think I can, it doesn't matter.
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