Red Sox Identify Crochet and Story as Clubhouse Leaders

Manager Alex Cora names pitcher Garrett Crochet and shortstop Trevor Story as the team's key leaders heading into the 2026 season.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm

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Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has identified pitcher Garrett Crochet and shortstop Trevor Story as the team's two main clubhouse leaders for the upcoming 2026 season. Cora praised Crochet's durability and consistency, comparing him to legendary pitchers like Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, and Pedro Martinez. He also highlighted Story's leadership by example through playing in 157 games last year despite past injury issues.

Why it matters

With the departure of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, the Red Sox needed to identify new veteran leaders to guide the team. Crochet and Story are seen as the players who will step up and provide that veteran presence and leadership in the clubhouse.

The details

Cora highlighted Crochet's ability to take the mound every five days and either extend a winning streak or stop a losing streak, likening him to dominant pitchers like Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, and Pedro Martinez. He also praised Story's leadership by example, noting that the shortstop played in 157 games last season despite past injury issues that had limited his availability.

  • Cora made these comments on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A left-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who led the American League in innings pitched last season with 205 1/3.

Trevor Story

The Red Sox's starting shortstop who played in 157 games last season, providing steady leadership and production despite past injury issues.

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What they’re saying

“Having Crochet every five days, that's a leader right there. He's like Randy Johnson back in the day. Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez. Every five days, you know you're gonna have that guy that either, he's going to extend the winning streak or stop the losing streak. And that's a luxury that we have.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager (Yahoo Sports)

“What Trevor did last year -- he played (157) games, right? That says a lot. The way he goes about it, he's not a vocal leader. He's not going to get in people's faces, but he will show up and prepare, and he's gonna play hard.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to Crochet and Story to provide steady leadership and production as they aim to build on their success from last season.

The takeaway

With the departure of a key veteran leader in Alex Bregman, the Red Sox have identified pitching ace Garrett Crochet and shortstop Trevor Story as the new clubhouse leaders who will guide the team through the 2026 season. Their steady presence and example will be crucial as the Red Sox seek to maintain their competitiveness in the American League.