Garrett Crochet's Red Sox Bullpen Numbers Exposed: A Deep Dive
The Boston Red Sox are hopeful that Garrett Crochet can return to the mound, but the left-hander's struggles before his injury raise concerns about his long-term prospects.
The Red Sox are counting on Crochet to be a key contributor in the bullpen, but his transition to a starter in 2024 has raised questions about his ability to return to his former self. In his time as a reliever with the Chicago White Sox from 2020 to 2023, Crochet appeared in 73.0 innings, allowing just 22 earned runs and striking out 85 hitters.
Crochet's numbers from that period are impressive, with a 2.71 ERA and 3.16 FIP. However, his recent struggles have raised concerns about his health and his ability to return to the form that made him arguably the best pitcher in Major League Baseball in 2025.
The Red Sox are likely to rely on Crochet's bullpen experience, which he has spoken about in the past. "That ultimately comes from [chief baseball officer Craig Breslow] and the rest of the front office," Crochet said, per MLB.com. "When it comes to throwing programs and buildup, I don't know how many innings I'm going to be able to build up to."
The decision to return Crochet to the bullpen will ultimately come down to how he feels about his health and his ability to contribute to the team. If the Red Sox have a chance to win a World Series come October, it wouldn't be surprising to see Crochet take a chance, but it's also vital to remember that he is signed through 2031 and is expected to be the best pitcher on this staff for a very long time.
The Red Sox are likely to prioritize Crochet's long-term health over any short-term gains, and the decision to return him to the bullpen will be a crucial one for the team. With Crochet's numbers from his time as a reliever still fresh in their minds, the Red Sox will be hoping that he can return to form and become a key contributor to the team's success.
Source: Yahoo Sports