The Boston Red Sox currently sit fourth in the American League East amid concerns over their playoff chances, especially with star third baseman Alex Bregman on the injured list indefinitely. The team’s pitching struggles have drawn particular attention, with MLB insider Chris Rose criticizing how the Red Sox have handled their $170 million ace Garrett Crochet. Rose’s commentary highlights Paul Skenes comparison, underscoring key pitching issues facing the Red Sox this season.
Chris Rose Criticizes Red Sox’s Approach to Garrett Crochet
On the JM Baseball podcast, MLB insider Chris Rose joined former player Trevor Plouffe to analyze the Red Sox’s current position. While both agree it might be premature to rule out a playoff push given the team’s wild card potential, Rose expressed frustration with how the Red Sox have failed to maximize Garrett Crochet’s dominance.
Rose compared Crochet, a left-handed pitcher, to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes, noting both players’ ability to overpower hitters. Despite Crochet’s impressive individual performance, the Red Sox are only 6-6 in games he has started. Rose emphasized this shortfall as unacceptable.
That’s inexcusable when you got a guy running that hot.
—Chris Rose, MLB Insider
Garrett Crochet’s Dominance and Long-Term Investment
Garrett Crochet ranks fourth in the league in strikeouts and holds an impressive 2.04 ERA, placing him eighth among starters. His rise to prominence was swift after the Red Sox acquired him from the Chicago White Sox last winter in exchange for top prospects Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery. This move was part of a strategic investment that culminated in a six-year, $170 million contract extension, signaling the team’s belief in Crochet’s potential as a long-term ace.
Despite initial skepticism about his readiness following just one season as a starter after transitioning from the bullpen, Crochet has proved his durability and effectiveness. His cutter ranks among the best pitches in baseball, with a run value of 10, and his sweeper has held hitters to a minuscule .073 batting average. These weapons have been critical in stabilizing the Red Sox’s rotation amid uneven performances from other starters.
Rotation Challenges Despite Crochet’s Success
While Crochet has excelled, other members of the Red Sox pitching rotation have faced difficulties. Tanner Houck, who showed promise last season, has struggled with an 8.04 ERA over nine starts before landing on the injured list with a forearm strain. Lucas Giolito carries a 5.27 ERA, and Brayan Bello, once a highly regarded prospect, appears to be settling into a mid-rotation role rather than emerging as a frontline starter.
Walker Buehler has been the only other reliable arm alongside Crochet so far, but the lack of depth raises concerns for the team. With Crochet expected to pitch over 200 innings for the first time in his career, fatigue could become a factor as the season progresses. Should Crochet’s performance decline due to wear, the Red Sox’s chances of maintaining a playoff position may diminish rapidly.
Implications of Mismanaging a Premium Pitching Asset
The criticism from Chris Rose highlights a deeper issue confronting the Red Sox: their inability to leverage the value of a premier pitching talent like Garrett Crochet fully. The parallel drawn to Paul Skenes accentuates how other teams are developing and utilizing their aces effectively, while Boston’s current strategy might be undermining its own ace’s impact. As the season continues, how the Red Sox manage Crochet’s workload and support their rotation could determine whether they remain contenders.