Garrett Crochet hasn’t been with the Boston Red Sox for long, but he just made history.

The Red Sox are making big moves, and Crochet is cashing in! The 25-year-old left-hander, who was brought on board in a trade with the Chicago White Sox over the winter, just landed a massive six-year, $170 million contract extension on Monday night. And you know what this means? He’s locked in with them through 2031 with an option to opt out after 2030. Now this is a historic number!

According to Passan, no other pitcher with merely four years of service time has secured a deal as big as this. And its rarity is quite clear, as Jacob deGrom is the first player to earn this. But one can’t simply compare both. As deGrom’s deal was worth $137.5 million, which is evidently less than Crochet’s $170 million. Also, deGrom’s contract included deferred money as well, whereas Crochet does not.

For Crochet, his deal is a no-brainer. But for the Red Sox, it’s a risky move. After all, they are betting on his potential rather than his experience. After being drafted, Crochet never threw a pitch in the minor leagues and didn’t even start full-time until this season. Meanwhile, Red Sox fans are already in a pickle after a bad show by Rafael Devers. Not to mention, Alex Bregman is yet to find his rhythm.

So this move may have just hit the wrong nerve. Fans are clearly unhappy, and whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.

Red Sox fans bitter over Crochet’s deal

The fans have turned to true skeptics,  questioning whether Crochet is really worth that much. And it’s not hard to see why they feel this way. First, he hasn’t proven himself to be a reliable workhorse. Second, while he’s had some good outings, he isn’t a consistent starter. The biggest red flag? He has pitched just 224 innings since his debut back in 2020. Adding to the concern is the fact that his durability remains a huge question mark. Echoing this sentiment, one fan wrote, “He’s not good.” Crochet may have some impressive stats, like last season, when he struck out 209 batters in 146 innings! But for many fans, that’s not enough to justify such a massive contract.

For the longest time, Boston gave the impression that they were here to play, not win. Harsh, but the truth. They avoided spending big this offseason and relied too much on their farm system. The plan simply wasn’t there, which is why fans coined the term “mid-franchise” to describe them. But does that label still hold up? Not really! In just a few months during the offseason, Boston flipped the script. They spent big and brought in Walker Buehler and Bregman. Sure, Crochet might not be a long-term fix for their struggles, but he’s a crucial piece in building a well-rounded team.

Regret is a strong word, but yes, there are risks involved in betting on Crochet. Why? Investing $170 million in a pitcher who has never been a full-time starter for more than a year comes with its challenges. If injuries pile up, this contract could come to haunt the team. But then there’s the element of “what if?” What if he becomes a CY Young contender? Right now, the Red Sox have no choice but to sign Crochet because letting him go after two seasons would have been a failure. The deal ensures they get the most out of this investment.

Some fans think, “Red Sox got fleeced,” believing Crochet won’t live up to the expectations. But the truth is, this wasn’t a blind move by the Boston Red Sox. They traded top 100 prospects Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery, which shows they gave it serious thought. Plus, Crochet’s strikeout rate and velocity indicate he’s on track to reach his full potential. If the Red Sox want to win, they need an ace—and finding one without taking risks is nearly impossible.

One fan highlighted that the experience is truly the main red flag when it comes to crochet. Pitchers are risky investments, and giving a deal to someone with less experience is bold. But the Red Sox are banking on his projection rather than his track record. But consider this: good pitchers rarely hit free agency at 25 years old. Most top arms get massive deals in their late 20s or 30s, when their best years are behind them. But Crochet is 25, and if he stays healthy and continues developing, his value could exceed $170 million.

One thing is for sure: the Red Sox are sending a message—they are serious about winning, not just playing. Are you excited to see this revival? Let us know!