The Boston Red Sox have enjoyed an impressive beginning to Garrett Crochet’s time with the team after acquiring him in a major offseason trade with the Chicago White Sox. Entering the second half of the season, Crochet stands out prominently in the American League Cy Young Award race, boasting a remarkable 2.23 ERA and leading Major League Baseball with 160 strikeouts. His rapid rise as a starting pitcher in only his second full season has captured attention across the league.
Durability and Workload: Key to Crochet’s Continued Success
One of the most notable aspects of Crochet’s 2024 campaign is his workload. With 129 1/3 innings pitched by the All-Star break, he has logged more innings than any other pitcher thus far. The 26-year-old is on pace to surpass last year’s total of 146 innings—a substantial increase that highlights his transition from a reliever to a durable starter. FanGraphs analyst Ben Clemens highlighted Crochet’s efforts to maintain a full season, praising how the Red Sox allow him to pitch deep into games rather than managing him cautiously.
I love that Boston is letting him work deep into games instead of babying him all year,
Clemens wrote.
But even with all of that, I never thought he’d make a run at 200 innings.
—Ben Clemens, FanGraphs analyst
Clemens also noted that Crochet is on track to match or even exceed the 219 innings he has pitched in his entire Major League career from 2020 to 2024 in this one season alone—a testament to his stamina and growth as a player.
Physical Traits and Pitching Style Fueling Crochet’s Momentum
Observing Crochet on the mound reveals a power pitcher whose size and technique contribute to his rising dominance. Standing 6-foot-6, his imposing frame complements his smooth and repeatable delivery, making him both effective and efficient during outings. Clemens points to these physical characteristics as part of why Crochet’s success no longer feels like a surprise.
That shouldn’t feel so likely. It shouldn’t seem so obvious. But Crochet is making it look easy, and when you watch the guy pitch, it just makes sense,
Clemens said.
He’s huge, tall and muscular, the kind of frame that screams ‘power pitcher.’ He’s economical on the mound and his delivery looks simple and repeatable.
—Ben Clemens, FanGraphs analyst
Concerns and Outlook for the Second Half
Despite Crochet’s strong performance, questions remain about whether he can maintain this workload without injury. Last season, the White Sox exercised caution following the All-Star break by limiting Crochet’s innings to under four per appearance, but the Red Sox appear to have a different strategy. Clemens suggests that durability concerns have lessened, and the team is likely to allow Crochet to continue pitching heavily as they pursue playoff success.
I’m not worried about his durability any more than I am with any other pitcher,
Clemens wrote.
And yet, when he succeeds, I get a little extra enjoyment from knowing how unlikely this felt a year ago. The Red Sox are in playoff position at the moment, and that’s even more incentive to let Crochet cook.
—Ben Clemens, FanGraphs analyst
With the Red Sox currently in playoff contention, Crochet’s second half performance will play a critical role in the team’s hopes. His ability to sustain high-level pitching and endure an increased innings load could determine how far Boston advances this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What rank is Garrett Crochet?
A. According to the ranking, Crochet ranks fifth among starting pitchers in the American League. At 26, this left-handed pitcher has achieved a personal record of eight wins. He is also on track to set new personal bests in ERA and WAR.
Q. Why was Garrett Crochet pulled?
A. Garrett Crochet, the top pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, withdrew from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. He made this decision to save his arm for the season’s later games.
Q. Did Garrett Crochet skip the minors?
A. The most recent player to jump directly from the draft to Major League Baseball is Garrett Crochet.
He was a former Chicago White Sox player and now pitches for the Boston Red Sox.
Crochet first played in the big leagues in September 2020, a few months after the White Sox picked him in the draft.