Red Sox Pitcher Crochet Skips WBC to Focus on Refining Delivery

Crochet prioritizes normal spring training over early ramp-up for global tournament

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, coming off a standout 2025 season where he finished second in AL Cy Young voting, has decided to skip the World Baseball Classic this spring in order to focus on refining his delivery and preparing more intentionally for the upcoming MLB season. Crochet, who signed a six-year, $170 million contract extension in the offseason, wants to take a measured approach to his spring training after logging a career-high 205.1 innings last year.

Why it matters

Crochet's decision to bypass the WBC highlights the increasing emphasis on pitcher workload management, especially for young stars coming off heavy usage. By prioritizing his own development over the global tournament, Crochet is putting himself and the Red Sox in the best position for long-term success, even if it means missing out on the prestige of representing his country.

The details

In his third spring start on Monday, Crochet threw 59 pitches over 4.2 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits with 2 strikeouts. While the results were not his best, Crochet is focused more on the process of refining his delivery and getting comfortable with a new splitter pitch than on the stat line. He acknowledged feeling "like s---" with his delivery in recent outings, but is confident that increased reps and workload will help him find the most efficient mechanics as he builds up toward the regular season.

  • Crochet's wife gave birth to their first child in November 2025.
  • Crochet made his third spring start on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A 26-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, who is in the second season of a six-year, $170 million contract extension after finishing second in AL Cy Young voting in 2025.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who expressed appreciation for Crochet's decision to stay in Fort Myers and focus on his development rather than compete in the World Baseball Classic.

Andrew Bailey

The pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox, who has been working with Crochet on refining his delivery and mechanics this spring.

Johan Rojas

A Philadelphia Phillies minor league player who hit a deep fly out against Crochet's new splitter pitch during Monday's spring training game.

Marcelo Mayer

The Red Sox's second baseman who turned a key double play to help Crochet work out of a bases-loaded jam in the third inning on Monday.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to have a normal spring training coming off the highest workload I've ever had. I don't want to get going too early, when the plan is to pitch til November.”

— Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Pitcher (New York Times)

“I think last year he came out throwing 100 right way to let everyone know, 'I'm here, I'm the guy.' This year, it's been a much more intentional spring as Crochet works to refine the finer details.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in Crochet's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

Crochet's decision to skip the WBC in order to focus on his own development and long-term success shows the increasing importance of pitcher workload management in baseball. His measured approach, even after a standout season, could pay dividends for the Red Sox as they look to contend in 2026 and beyond.