Boston’s pitching legacy is about to take a thrilling new turn. Garrett Crochet has arrived, and he’s not just knocking on the door of greatness—he’s kicking it wide open. In his debut season with the Red Sox, Crochet didn’t just pitch; he dominated, finishing second in the AL Cy Young race and leaving fans buzzing about the future. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal took home the trophy for the second straight year, Crochet’s performance sparked debates about who truly deserved the top spot. Skubal secured 26 first-place votes and 198 points, but Crochet’s four first-place votes and 26 second-place votes (132 points) suggest he wasn’t far behind. Astros’ Hunter Brown trailed in third with 80 points, and Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman even snagged a few votes, finishing seventh. Though Crochet didn’t claim the Cy Young—Boston’s first since Rick Porcello in 2016—his season was nothing short of extraordinary.
And this is the part most people miss: Crochet’s most memorable moment didn’t even factor into his Cy Young candidacy. It was a game that showcased his sheer dominance, leaving Red Sox Nation hungry for more. After signing a six-year, $170 million extension, Crochet is set to anchor Boston’s rotation through 2032. What makes him a true ace? Availability. Crochet led the AL with 205 1/3 innings, a 2.59 ERA, and 255 strikeouts—all in his first season. His 11.18 K/9 rate topped the AL, and his 5.54 K/BB ratio trailed only Skubal. But it’s the advanced metrics that truly dazzle: Crochet ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in Statcast categories like pitching run value (99th), fastball run value (95th), and breaking run value (99th).
Here’s the kicker: Crochet wasn’t just a pitcher; he was a momentum shifter. Need proof? On June 1, he struck out 12 batters over seven innings, allowing just one run in a 3-1 win over Atlanta. On July 12, he pitched a complete-game shutout against the Rays, walking none and striking out nine to extend a 10-game winning streak. Even in his final three starts against the Yankees, he posted a 2.11 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings. The Boston chapter of the BBWAA crowned him the team’s MVP, but the real question lingers: Is Crochet the next legend in Boston’s storied pitching lineage? Or is he already there? Let’s debate—what do you think?
