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Garrett Crochet Accomplishes Something Last Done for Red Sox by Pedro Martínez in 2000

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox have not performed to preseason expectations.

At 40-41 and six games back of the New York Yankees for the American League East lead, the Red Sox have not cashed in on their offseason overhaul and face uncertainty as we approach the trade deadline.

However, the biggest acquisition, Garrett Crochet, has looked worth it and more.

Crochet signed a six-year, $170 million contract, and it does not look like his 2024 All-Star nod was a fluke. Through 16 starts and 102 and 1/3 innings, Crochet is 7-4 with a 2.20 ERA, a 2.60 FIP, and a Major League-leading 125 strikeouts against just 28 walks.

Now, he has made franchise history. Here is the latest from Andrés Soto of MLB.com:

“To get an idea of just how dominant Crochet has been in his first half-season in Boston, the list of pitchers in Red Sox history with at least 110 strikeouts and fewer than 30 runs allowed through their first 17 starts of a season are Pedro Martinez in 2000, and Garrett Crochet in 2025.”

While Crochet is not quite at the steroids era Pedro level yet, he has certainly justified his hefty payday and assumed the “ace” status.

The problem for the Red Sox is that even with Crochet pitching like a Cy Young, the rest of the rotation is faltering. Walker Buehler (6.29 ERA, 5.74 FIP) has been a roller coaster in his debut campaign in Boston. Neither Lucas Giolito (4.53 ERA, 4.29 FIP) nor Tanner Houck (8.04 ERA, 6.10 FIP) has built on previously successful seasons.

Youngsters Brayan Bello (3.31 ERA, 4.42 FIP) and Hunter Dobbins (4.10 ERA, 3.85 FIP) both have plenty of upside, but are not quite ready to be on contending staffs.

As long as Crochet continues to pitch this well, he will likely join Martínez and other Red Sox legends in the record books. But he can not do this alone.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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