Red Sox Ace Garrett Crochet Driven to Prove Doubters Wrong in 2026

The young star pitcher is keeping his motivations private as he looks to build on his breakout 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet is coming off a dominant 2025 season where he led the American League in several key pitching categories and finished second in Cy Young voting. While Crochet is keeping the specifics of his motivations private, he is determined to prove doubters wrong and continue improving in 2026. Crochet spoke about wanting to improve his consistency and command, as well as mastering a new changeup grip. The Red Sox rotation will have a new look this year with several veteran additions, but Crochet is excited to work with the new group.

Why it matters

Crochet's breakout 2025 season established him as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. His continued development and ability to build on that success will be crucial for the Red Sox as they look to contend in the AL East. Crochet's drive to improve and prove doubters wrong could help take him to an even higher level.

The details

Crochet led the AL in innings pitched and strikeouts in 2025, while finishing third in ERA and making the All-Star team. He signed a 6-year, $170 million contract extension with the Red Sox last April. Crochet spoke about wanting to improve his glove-side command on his fastball and continue mastering a new changeup grip he started using midway through last season. The Red Sox rotation will have a new look in 2026 with the additions of Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and Johan Oviedo.

  • Crochet was acquired by the Red Sox at the 2024 winter meetings.
  • Crochet signed a 6-year, $170 million contract extension with the Red Sox in April 2025.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A dominant young starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who is coming off a breakout 2025 season.

Sonny Gray

A veteran starting pitcher who is joining the Red Sox rotation in 2026.

Ranger Suarez

A starting pitcher who is joining the Red Sox rotation in 2026 after success with the Phillies.

Johan Oviedo

A young starting pitcher with an impressive arsenal who is joining the Red Sox rotation in 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think to externalize those thoughts kind of takes away from the magic of the drive, what they give you. (But) definitely, (I have things motivating me) — always.”

— Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Pitcher (masslive.com)

“Consistency. One good year doesn't make you a great player. You have to come in and earn your stripes every year. I realize the success that I had last year will make teams game-plan a little bit more for me, whether it be pitch usage or specifically counts. I've got to be ready to combat that.”

— Garrett Crochet, Red Sox Pitcher (masslive.com)

What’s next

Crochet will look to build on his breakout 2025 season and prove the doubters wrong as he enters his second year with the Red Sox.

The takeaway

Garrett Crochet's drive to improve and silence his critics could help him take another step forward in 2026, solidifying his status as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. The Red Sox will be counting on him to anchor their revamped rotation as they aim to contend in the AL East.