Former Tennessee Pitcher Ranks 4th Best MLB Pitcher

Garrett Crochet, a former Tennessee Volunteers star, lands at No. 4 on ESPN expert's top MLB pitchers list.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Former Tennessee pitcher Garrett Crochet had a career-best season with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, posting an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA in over 200 innings. His standout performance has earned him the No. 4 spot on ESPN expert Buster Olney's list of top MLB pitchers.

Why it matters

Crochet's rise to become one of the best pitchers in baseball highlights the success of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball program in developing top-tier talent. His journey from a 34th-round draft pick out of high school to an elite MLB starter showcases the potential for players to elevate their game at the collegiate level.

The details

Crochet was traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Boston Red Sox in December 2024 and immediately made an impact, becoming the team's Opening Day starter in 2025. He led the American League in innings pitched (205⅓) and batters faced (814), while also leading the majors in strikeouts (255). Crochet's standout season included his first career All-Star selection, a shutout victory, and 500th career strikeout.

  • Crochet was drafted in the 34th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of high school.
  • Crochet spent three years with the Tennessee Volunteers program, with his final season cut short due to injury and the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Crochet was selected 11th overall by the Chicago White Sox in the 2020 MLB Draft.
  • Crochet was traded from the White Sox to the Boston Red Sox in December 2024.
  • Crochet made his debut as the Red Sox's Opening Day starter in March 2025.

The players

Garrett Crochet

A former pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers who was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago White Sox in 2020 and later traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he had a career-best season in 2025.

Buster Olney

An ESPN baseball analyst who compiled a list of the top MLB pitchers, ranking Crochet at No. 4.

Tony Vitello

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team during Crochet's time with the program.

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What they’re saying

“Boston got everything it hoped for from the left-hander after making a blockbuster deal with the Chicago White Sox and signing Crochet to a six-year, $170 million contract.”

— Buster Olney, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to build on Crochet's success as they aim to make a deep playoff run in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Garrett Crochet's rise to become one of the best pitchers in baseball is a testament to the talent development program at the University of Tennessee, which has produced another elite MLB talent.