Garrett Crochet has emerged as a dominant force in the Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation this season, showcasing remarkable performance and leadership. Through 25 starts, the 26-year-old southpaw boasts a 2.43 ERA and 196 strikeouts while pitching a career-high 159 1/3 innings, positioning himself as a top contender for the American League Cy Young Award.
Strong Partnership with Rookie Catcher Carlos Narváez
This season, Crochet has flourished working alongside the Red Sox’s rookie catcher Carlos Narváez, who recently praised him during an appearance on MLB Network. Narváez highlighted how Crochet sets the standard among pitchers, likening his leadership to that of Alex Bregman among position players.
He leads the way with all the pitchers,
Narváez said.
Same as [Alex Bregman] leads the way with all the position players.
—Carlos Narváez, Catcher
Crochet’s Preparation Inspires the Entire Rotation
Narváez also emphasized Crochet’s exceptional approach to preparation between starts, noting how the ace strategizes several days ahead and influences the rest of the starting rotation to follow suit. This mindset is creating a cohesive and focused pitching staff in Boston.
We were talking yesterday about when he’s gonna pitch on Saturday,
Narváez explained.
So he’s always ahead. He’s always thinking like three or four days (before). After he pitches, we got an off day, and then he’s thinking right away on the next outing … You see all the starting pitchers doing the same thing. It’s a pretty special group.
—Carlos Narváez, Catcher
Mutual Respect Fuels On-Field Chemistry
The respect between Crochet and Narváez is evident, as Crochet spoke highly of his catcher’s poise during crucial moments. After Narváez hit a walk-off home run against the New York Yankees on June 13, Crochet applauded his game-calling and resolve at the plate.
He really calls games like he has been doing it for 10 years in The Show. His at-bats at the plate, late in crunchtime, he just never gives in.
—Garrett Crochet, Pitcher
Looking Ahead to Another High-Stakes Rivalry
In their previous meeting against the Yankees, Crochet dominated on the mound with just one run allowed over 8 1/3 innings, setting the stage for Narváez’s memorable extra-innings heroics. This weekend, the duo aims to continue their momentum when Crochet pitches at Yankee Stadium, hoping to lead the Red Sox’s rotation to further success.