When the Boston Red Sox dealt multiple top prospects to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for lefty starter Garrett Crochet, and promptly extended him on an eight-year, $170 million contract, they felt confident in Crochet’s ceiling as an ace.
On Sunday versus the Chicago White Sox, Crochet delivered, allowing just one hit over 7 1/3 innings while striking out 11. He allowed a single to second baseman Chase Meidroth, who was part of the White Sox’ return in the trade, with one out in the 8th, and Meidroth would score on a Matt Thaiss single later in the inning.
Crochet was 96 pitches in when he allowed the first hit of the game, and exited to a standing ovation at Guaranteed Rate Field, where he played from 2020-2024.
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Fenway Park.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Fans across the league appreciated the storylines of Crochet’s homecoming, including the outpouring of support from White Sox fans despite watching their lineup nearly get no-hit.
Some superstitious fans criticized the MLB‘s social media page for pointing out Crochet’s no-hit bid, which seems to always be a jinx.
Some sports journalists got in on the superstitious fun, with ESPN insider Jeff Passan playfully calling out fellow insider Jesse Rogers, who tweeted out the news of Crochet’s no-hit bid just before Meidroth’s single.
The strong start from Crochet is much-needed on a Red Sox team without Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Lucas Giolito and Richard Fitts for some time. The rest of the Sox rotation in Walker Buehler, Sean Newcomb and Tanner Houck haven’t had the best start to the season, so strong starts from Crochet moving forward will be imperative as the Sox look to make some noise in 2025.
