When the Boston Red Sox traded for Garrett Crochet in December 2024, there were more questions than answers. Is it possible for a former reliever with a history of injuries and little starting experience to be a frontline arm in baseball’s most competitive division? After six months, the answer is unquestionably yes, and Crochet has emerged as Boston’s ace.
Crochet Leads Way In Rotation
Crochet’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. The Red Sox, currently sitting at 39-37, are fighting to keep pace in an ultra-competitive American League East. They trail the division-leading New York Yankees by just 4.5 games, and with every team in the mix, there’s little room for error. But every fifth day, when Crochet takes the ball, there’s a quiet confidence across the clubhouse and throughout Fenway Park that Boston has the edge.
The left-hander has put together a dazzling campaign so far, with a 7-4 record, a sparkling 2.20 ERA (eighth-best in MLB), and a jaw-dropping 125 strikeouts, the second most in all of baseball. His 1.03 WHIP reflects how rarely he allows hitters to even threaten, and his poise on the mound has brought a calming presence to a team that’s been anything but steady.
“He’s an ace,” manager Alex Cora said after Crochet’s latest gem. “He understands what comes with the territory… one of the leaders in the clubhouse, and every five days is a special day for us.”
“He’s an ace. He understands what comes with the territory… one of the leaders in the clubhouse, and every five days is a special day for us.”
Alex Cora on Garrett Crochet 🙌 pic.twitter.com/MV83NqgzaS
— NESN (@NESN) June 18, 2025
That latest outing saw Crochet navigate six strong innings, giving up six hits and just one earned run, a wild pitch that scored a runner in the second inning. From there, he locked in and dominated, painting corners, overpowering hitters, and doing exactly what Boston has come to expect from its newest star.
Traded Former Ace, Garrett Crochet Embraces Identity
This wasn’t always the plan, though. In December 2023, Boston moved on from longtime ace Chris Sale, trading him away and signaling a shift toward a new era. While fans were still adjusting to the idea of a rotation without Sale, the front office quietly made its move for Crochet the following December. The vision was clear: build around a new kind of ace, younger, hungrier, and ready to lead.
Crochet has accepted the challenge, too. He is now a presence rather than just a pitcher. The league has taken notice of his demeanor in between starts, his ferocity on the mound, and his developing voice in the locker room. He pitches to uplift a team that is still trying to find its identity.
This season hasn’t been easy for Boston. However, they have discovered more than simply a bright side in Crochet; they have found a cornerstone that could guide them to greatness.