Red Sox extension talks with Garrett Crochet remain stalled

The Boston Red Sox are currently in talks for a contract extension with pitcher Garrett Crochet. With just a few days until the regular season starts, there still seems to be a significant gap between the team and Crochet’s representatives. Sam Kennedy, the Red Sox president, discussed the situation during a podcast. He noted that Crochet has expressed a desire to avoid contract discussions once the season begins. Kennedy mentioned that deadlines for such deals can change and shared examples from past seasons when negotiations continued even after the season had started. The Red Sox traded four prospects to acquire Crochet from the White Sox in December, intending to secure him for a longer term beyond 2026, when he will be eligible for free agency. Now, at age 25, Crochet seeks a contract that offers him long-term security, while the Red Sox may hesitate to commit significantly to a pitcher with relatively few innings as a starter. He is regarded as a strong player, having impressive spring training numbers. Kennedy believes Crochet has the potential to be a key player for the team in the 2025 season. He hopes Crochet and his family are excited about their time in Boston and that they want a long-term relationship with the team. While the talks with Crochet are ongoing, it remains uncertain if the Red Sox will finalize any contracts with other young players this season. Kennedy emphasized that extending young talent is crucial for the team’s future and a priority for the Red Sox.