Red Sox Ace Crochet Adds New Pitch, Kiner-Falefa Embraces Utility Role

Crochet plans to incorporate a new splitter pitch, while Kiner-Falefa looks to thrive in a super-utility bench role for the Red Sox.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet revealed he has been working on adding a new splitter pitch to his repertoire this offseason, while newcomer Isiah Kiner-Falefa is eager to embrace a super-utility bench role to strengthen the team's infield defense.

Why it matters

Crochet's development of a new pitch could help him take another step forward after a standout 2025 season, while Kiner-Falefa's versatility provides the Red Sox with valuable defensive depth across the infield.

The details

Crochet said he worked with Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey and coach Devin Rose to morph his changeup into a splitter, getting additional guidance from a Vanderbilt staff member. Meanwhile, Kiner-Falefa, a Gold Glove winner at third base, is expected to see time at second, third and shortstop, and has even offered to catch and play the outfield to maximize his utility value.

  • Crochet will be the Red Sox's Opening Day starter on March 26.
  • Kiner-Falefa's one-year deal with the Red Sox became official on Tuesday.

The players

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox ace who led the club with 200 innings and finished second in American League Cy Young voting last season.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

A Gold Glove winner at third base who signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox to provide defensive versatility across the infield.

Andrew Bailey

The Red Sox pitching coach who worked with Crochet on developing a new splitter pitch.

Devin Rose

A Red Sox coach who also provided guidance to Crochet on his new splitter pitch.

Sonny Gray

Crochet's new rotation mate who he works out with in the offseason at Vanderbilt University.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of more of a splitter now than it has been in the past. I felt like I was always pretty timid to buy into that pitch, they kind of scare you growing up that it'll give you the elbow bug, but I found one grip that works for me, and I've been recovering really well.”

— Garrett Crochet

“I think I'm best as a true utility player. Not many people can do it. You see the Kikés (Hernandez), the Chris Taylors, Brock Holts, these guys who've had so much success, and they're valuable, valuable players. So having that opportunity to really dive into that utility role, instead of just playing one position and being a mid position player, I get to focus on being one of the top utility players in the league.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa

What’s next

The judge in Crochet's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Crochet's development of a new pitch and Kiner-Falefa's embrace of a versatile utility role highlight the Red Sox's commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability as they aim to build on their success from last season.