Red Sox's Garrett Crochet to Make Odd 140-Year MLB History

Boston's young ace will become the first pitcher since 1886 to make an Opening Day start in each of his first three seasons as a starter.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:29pm

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Garrett Crochet, the Boston Red Sox's young ace, is set to make MLB history on Opening Day by becoming the first pitcher since 1886 to make an Opening Day start in each of his first three seasons as a starter. Crochet's rise has been meteoric, as he transitioned from a reliever to the Red Sox's top starter, earning All-Star selections in 2024 and 2025.

Why it matters

Crochet's achievement highlights his rapid ascent to becoming one of the game's top pitchers, as well as the unique circumstances that have allowed him to accomplish this rare feat. It also speaks to the Red Sox's faith in Crochet as their ace, entrusting him with the Opening Day start in each of his first three seasons as a full-time starter.

The details

Crochet began his MLB career as a reliever with the Chicago White Sox in 2020 and 2021 before transitioning to the starting rotation in 2024. In his first full season as a starter in 2025, he posted a 2.59 ERA and a 255-to-46 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 205 1/3 innings, earning his second straight All-Star selection and finishing second in the American League Cy Young voting.

  • Crochet will make his Opening Day start on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • He made his MLB debut as a reliever in 2020.
  • Crochet transitioned to the starting rotation in 2024.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A young left-handed pitcher who has rapidly ascended to become the ace of the Boston Red Sox's starting rotation.

Chicago White Sox

The team that originally drafted and developed Crochet, transitioning him from a reliever to a starting pitcher.

Boston Red Sox

The team that acquired Crochet and has entrusted him with the Opening Day starting role in each of his first three seasons as a full-time starter.

Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers ace who edged out Crochet for the American League Cy Young Award in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Garrett Crochet will make history on Opening Day!”

— MLB Network

What’s next

Crochet will look to build on his strong 2025 season and lead the Red Sox to the playoffs in 2026.

The takeaway

Crochet's rapid rise to becoming one of the game's top pitchers, culminating in this historic Opening Day achievement, is a testament to his talent and the faith the Red Sox have placed in him as their ace.