“If you build it, he will come.” That iconic line from “Field of Dreams” echoes through the heart of every baseball fan. But what happens when the dream isn’t just about a field but about a team, a city, a legacy? That’s the reality Garrett Crochet is embracing.

The Red Sox’s $3.8 million star pitcher, once a cornerstone of the White Sox’s future, is now a key piece in Boston’s championship puzzle. And how does he feel about his new home?

“That’s why Boston was such an attractive option,” Crochet confessed. This is not PR-speak but it’s the way Crochet thinks. He’s not just excited about the opportunity—he’s welcoming the challenge, the legacy, the chance to write his name in Red Sox history.

“It wasn’t really an option because I had no say,” Crochet added. This is the brutal truth of professional sports. Players are assets, commodities to be traded and shuttled from one place to another at a moment’s notice. Crochet’s confusion over where he’s headed shines a light on the business side of baseball, often overshadowed by the glamour of the diamond.

But his acceptance of that fact and his readiness to move on demonstrate maturity and professionalism. And at the end, everything’s great. ” But when it actually went down, I was really fired up because it’s a place you want to spend your entire career and you can win right away. It’s kind of the best of everything.” Here, Crochet can barely contain his excitement. For an ambitious player, Boston is the perfect place to combine opportunity with tradition.

A high-stakes gamble: Crochet’s health and potential

Crochet has had a roller-coaster ride throughout his career. That 2020 debut? Electric. What was his role in his earlier days at the White Sox pitching lineup? A fireballer with 148 strikeouts in 122 innings is more than a reliever. Basically, their secret weapon against a division full of righty power hitters. And against the lefties? Lefties hit only .194 against him in 2021. This is what we call complete domination.

Then came the injuries. Tommy John had surgery in 2022. A shoulder strain in 2023. And just like that, his progress hit a wall. His role became uncertain, his velocity dipped, and his command wasn’t the same. The numbers told the story—a 4.50 ERA in 2023, a far cry from his 2021 dominance.

The question is, why are the Boston Red Sox paying $3.8 million to an injury-prone guy? In a league where health matters most, Crochet’s past history is always evaluated under a microscope. And for a team like the Red Sox, with World Series hopes, it’s nothing but a gamble. There will always be doubt that it’s worth the risk for Crochet. Will he remain fit and fulfill his promise?

But hold on! There is some positive news also. It is about Crochet’s spring training debut. It is a relief for the Red Sox. 1 2/3 innings, four strikeouts, and a fastball up to 98 mph. It’s no easy feat when you’re recovering from injury, is it? More surprisingly, there were a couple of bumps—three hits, a walk—but one cannot ask for more! And manager Alex Cora? He’s confident about his pitching ace. Cora said, “Mechanically, he’ll be OK. I think his stuff will play. We got that one out of the way. Now we just build up to be ready for Texas (on Opening Day).”

Cora’s optimism is contagious, and it’s backed by Crochet’s performance. “Hopefully, Chris doesn’t take it personally,” Cora joked, “but he looks like Chris Sale, but stronger.” That’s high praise. Isn’t it?

But still the question remains: Will Crochet defy the odds and become Boston’s next ace? Only time will tell.