Sonny Gray Praises Garrett Crochet as MLB's Best Pitcher

Red Sox newcomer Gray hails Crochet's skills and impact on the team's strengthened rotation.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Sonny Gray, the newest addition to the Boston Red Sox's starting rotation, has publicly praised teammate Garrett Crochet as the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. Gray highlighted Crochet's exceptional skills and performance, which were pivotal in helping the Red Sox reach the playoffs last season. The Red Sox's rotation now includes Crochet, Gray, Ranger Suarez, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo, strengthening the team's pitching depth and improving their chances in future playoff matchups.

Why it matters

Crochet's emergence as one of the top pitchers in the league has been a significant boost for the Red Sox, who struggled with their starting rotation in the previous season. Gray's arrival is expected to provide much-needed depth and stability to the team's pitching staff, potentially giving them an edge over their division rivals like the Yankees and Blue Jays.

The details

During the previous season, Garrett Crochet had an impressive 18-5 win-loss record and a 2.59 ERA across 32 starts, making him a top contender for the Cy Young Award. Sonny Gray, who finished last season with a 14-8 record and a 4.28 ERA in 32 starts, has now joined the Red Sox to strengthen their pitching rotation beyond Crochet.

  • Crochet had a standout performance in the playoffs, pitching 7⅔ innings in a win over the New York Yankees while allowing just one earned run.
  • Gray recently signed with the Red Sox as a free agent, aiming to provide depth and stability to the team's starting pitching staff.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A rising star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Crochet emerged as one of the top contenders for the Cy Young Award in the previous season with an 18-5 win-loss record and a 2.59 ERA across 32 starts.

Sonny Gray

A veteran pitcher who recently joined the Boston Red Sox as a free agent, Gray finished last season with a 14-8 record and a 4.28 ERA in 32 starts.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think there's a ceiling for him. He can be, and has been, the best pitcher in baseball.”

— Sonny Gray, Red Sox Pitcher (NESN)

What’s next

The Red Sox's strengthened rotation is expected to improve the team's chances in future playoff matchups, particularly against division rivals like the Yankees and Blue Jays.

The takeaway

Garrett Crochet's emergence as one of the top pitchers in the league, combined with Sonny Gray's arrival, has bolstered the Red Sox's starting rotation and positioned the team for sustained success in upcoming seasons.