BREAKING: Red Sox top extension candidate unwilling to continue discussions beyond Opening Day

Shortly after acquiring Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox expressed their desire to sign him to a long-term deal.

Boston traded four top prospects for the lefty, who had been open to an extension after leaving the White Sox. To maximize their investment, the Red Sox must secure him soon.

Despite Chicago’s struggles last season, Crochet impressed as a starter with elite velocity and a 3.58 ERA, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings. His fastball ranked in the 92nd percentile, and his strikeout rate was in the 98th percentile. His dominance has continued in spring training, with 14 strikeouts in 6.1 scoreless Grapefruit League innings.

At just 25, Crochet’s value is rising, but he prefers to table contract talks once the regular season begins. “I don’t want to be a distraction,” he told The Boston Globe, emphasizing his focus on the team’s success.

Garrett Crochet unwilling to discuss contract extension with Red Sox after Opening Day

With Opening Day on March 27, the Red Sox have about three weeks to extend Garrett Crochet before his value potentially skyrockets. If they fail to reach a deal soon, their chances of locking him in long-term could drop significantly.

Boston had its most aggressive offseason in six years, exceeding the luxury tax to sign Alex Bregman and making a push for Juan Soto. However, they haven’t spent big on pitching in years. If Crochet delivers 30 starts with his 2024 strikeout rate (12.9 K/9), his price tag may soar beyond their reach.

If top prospects Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman González live up to expectations and the Red Sox can’t secure Crochet long-term, the trade could prove futile. Boston either needs a World Series with him or a contract extension—time is running out to lock in the latter at a reasonable cost.