The Red Sox’s Ace in the Hole: Garrett Crochet’s Potential
The Boston Red Sox made a splash in the off-season, acquiring promising left-handed pitcher garrett Crochet from the chicago White Sox.This move, wich came at a meaningful cost, signals Boston’s ambition to contend for a championship.
The Red sox are clearly high on Crochet’s potential.Teammates like Lucas Giolito have already expressed their admiration, comparing Crochet’s talent to that of Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Giolito believes Crochet possesses some of the most impressive pitching skills in Major League Baseball.This confidence in Crochet extends beyond the Red Sox clubhouse. Early odds for the 2025 American League Cy Young Award place Skubal as the favorite, following his dominant 2024 season which culminated in him winning the award.Tho, right behind Skubal is none other than Garrett Crochet.
This placement highlights the widespread belief that Crochet has the potential to be a top-tier pitcher. The fact that two left-handers, Skubal and Crochet, occupy the top two spots in the Cy Young odds is noteworthy. Rounding out the top five are fellow lefty Cole Ragans, followed by right-handers Jacob deGrom, Logan Gilbert, and gerrit Cole.
One key question surrounding Crochet’s candidacy for the Cy Young Award is his ability to handle a heavier workload. In his first full season as a starter in 2024, he pitched 146 innings. To be seriously considered for the Cy Young, he’ll likely need to increase that number to between 180 and 200 innings.
Can Crochet maintain his effectiveness while shouldering a larger workload? Only time will tell. But the Red Sox are betting big on his potential, and early indications suggest that Crochet is poised for a breakout season.
Betting Big on Crochet: An Interview with Hall of Famer, Dennis Eckersley
It’s no secret that the Boston Red Sox made waves this offseason with the acquisition of left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. This move, while costly, has sent ripples of excitement through Red Sox Nation, and there’s a palpable sense of anticipation surrounding Crochet’s potential. To get a seasoned viewpoint on this high-stakes gamble, we sat down with Hall of Fame pitcher and former Red Sox announcer, Dennis eckersley.
Moderator: Dennis, thanks for joining us. The Red Sox are clearly banking on Garrett Crochet being a difference-maker. His name is already being tossed around in Cy Young discussions alongside established aces like Tarik Skubal. Do you think this level of expectation is warranted?
Eckersley: Well, there’s there’s no doubt whatsoever the kid has electric stuff. When you have teammates like Lucas Giolito comparing you to a guy like Skubal, you know you’re dealing with something special. Crochet’s got the arm talent, no question. But making the leap from promising prospect to cy Young contender is a whole other ball game.
moderator: you mentioned “making the leap”. One of the big questions surrounding Crochet is his ability to handle a heavier workload. He pitched a respectable 146 innings in 2024, but to truly be in the Cy Young conversation, he needs to be pushing towards 180-200 innings. Do you think he’s got the stamina and durability to handle that kind of workload?
Eckersley: That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? You can have all the talent in the world, but if your arm can’t hold up, it’s all for naught. Crochet’s still young. This year will be about managing his innings, building him up gradually.
If they can do that, if he stays healthy and consistent, then yeah, I could see him making a real run at it. But it’s not going to be easy. Nobody hands you a Cy Young. You gotta earn it.
Moderator: We’re seeing a interesting trend with lefties dominating the early Cy Young odds. You’ve got Skubal, Crochet, and Cole Ragans all right up there. do you think this represents a shift in the game, or is it just a coincidence?
Eckersley: I think it’s cyclical. You always have waves of talent coming through. Right now, it happens to be the lefties’ turn. They’re throwing harder, with better control. They’re not afraid to challenge hitters. It’s a good time to be a left-handed pitcher.
Moderator: This shift wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the likes of Jacob deGrom, Logan Gilbert, and Gerrit Cole still holding strong in the top 5. These veteran aces are no pushovers. What does it take to be accomplished in today’s game, for both young guns and established stars?
Eckersley: Simplicity, consistency, and mental toughness. You gotta go out there every fifth day, execute your pitches, and block out the noise. The game will test you, both physically and mentally. You gotta have that inner drive, that relentlessness, to keep pushing yourself.
Moderator : And for Crochet specifically, what advice would you give him as he navigates this high-pressure situation?
Eckersley: Trust your stuff, kid. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from them, grow from them. And don’t let the hype get to your head. Just go out there and compete. Everything else will take care of itself.
Moderator: It’s exciting to see a promising young talent like Crochet join the Red Sox. We wish him all the best in what promises to be a thrilling season. Dennis, as always, thanks for your insights.
Eckersley: Always a pleasure.
Now,we want to hear from you! do you think Garrett Crochet can live up to the hype and become a Cy Young contender?
Join the discussion in the comments below!
