Add The New York Post on Google Garrett Crochet just lost a bit of control over his future.
Thanks to a unique provision in his contract, Crochet, who has been on the injured list for most of the season and last pitched for Boston on April 25, had an interesting clause activated by the team that takes away his 2030 opt-out in his contract.
Crochet has spent 120 consecutive days on the IL, which triggers a clause that voids his 2030 opt-out, with his salary set at $30 million for his age-32 season.
Garrett Crochet lost some serious control over his future in a bizarre contract stipulation. JASON SZENES/ NY POST No one knows what baseball will look like in 2030 and if there will be a salary cap in the major leagues, but $30 million is certainly a bargain by today’s standards for Crochet’s services.
Crochet was the league’s fourth-most valuable pitcher according to WAR via FanGraphs from 2024-25, though he’s spent most of 2026 injured while the Red Sox have surged in the second half.
Assuming MLB does not add a salary cap as owners battle players in CBA negotiations with a potential work stoppage looming, Crochet may have just missed out on a massive raise on his contract.
Many expect impending Dodgers free agent Tarik Skubal to sign a huge contract this offseason, although the same collective bargaining uncertainty still exists.
Crochet is owed just $45 million in 2031 and 2032, making this deal a complete bargain for Boston.
Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and his wife Linda sit in the front row with fans. AP Photo/Charles Krupa The Red Sox acquired Crochet in a December 2024 trade with the White Sox for prospects Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth and Wikelman Gonzalez.
Crochet had an incredible first season in Boston, posting a career-best 2.59 ERA with 18 wins as the Red Sox’s unquestioned ace and workhorse starting pitcher.
While he battled injuries this season, he is expected to return, though given where we are in the season, he will likely take on a bullpen role rather than take time to build up to a starting pitcher’s workload.
The Red Sox sit 3.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL wild-card race with a 71-59 record entering Monday’s slate.
