Crochet's IL Stint Triggers Contract Clause

Garrett Crochet's extended stay on the injured list has had contractual implications. Sunday marked the left-hander's 120th consecutive day on the IL, triggering a provision in his six-year, $170 million extension with the Red Sox that voids his opt-out after the 2030 season and adds a $15 million club option for 2032, as reported by MLB News and the New York Post.

The clause, which applies if Crochet spends at least 120 straight days on the IL with a left arm injury between 2026 and 2031, was a risk-mitigation measure added by Boston. Crochet acknowledged the situation, saying, as quoted by Heavy, "It sucks, but I mean, what's the worst thing that happens? I'm in Boston for another year? Which is pretty good. This is a place that I wanted to be. That was a clause that was kind of helping the team mitigate the risk, I suppose. And they knew that there was risk. I knew that there was risk. Last year, it's like, am I outperforming [his salary]? Or does it matter? And now I get hurt, and it's like, I'm glad that I secured the protection."

Crochet, who was acquired from the White Sox in December 2024 for prospects Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez, had a standout 2025 season with a 2.59 ERA and 18 wins, finishing second in AL Cy Young voting. His 2026 campaign, however, has been derailed by left shoulder inflammation and a lat strain, with a 3-3 record and 6.30 ERA in six starts before landing on the IL on April 29, retroactive to April 26.

Financial Implications and Context

The voided opt-out means Crochet will earn $30 million in 2031, his age-32 season, followed by a $15 million club option for 2032. The New York Post notes that Crochet was the fourth-most valuable pitcher by FanGraphs WAR from 2024-25, making the deal a potential bargain for Boston if he returns to form. The outlet also points out that Crochet is owed just $45 million over 2031 and 2032, and that many expect impending Dodgers free agent Tarik Skubal to sign a huge contract this offseason, though CBA negotiations and a potential salary cap could affect future deals.

MLB News draws a parallel to John Lackey, who earned the league minimum in 2015 after missing significant time in 2014 due to a similar clause in his Boston contract before being traded to the Cardinals.

Crochet's Road Back: Aiming for Bullpen Return

Crochet has been throwing from 90 feet with increased intensity as he works toward a return this season. He acknowledged the progress, saying, as quoted by The Boston Globe, "Recovery has been good. Seeming to increase intensity and volume a tick, weather the storm a little bit the next day, and then a couple of days later when I have the same parameters and guidelines for the throwing. So I had a high day Tuesday and then I had a high day Friday. And the recovery Friday was better than it was Tuesday. Just kind of continuing to level that up."

Given the limited time remaining in the season, Crochet is targeting a return as a reliever rather than a starter. He expressed cautious optimism, saying, as quoted by Heavy, "I'm quite hopeful. I'm not gonna say (when), because I don't know. The past couple times I've been like, 'Oh yeah, I probably don't even need to go on the IL and here I (expletive) am, four months later. Right now, I'm trying to practice delayed gratification with myself. Unless I'm crossing the finish line, I'm not going to start celebrating."

Interim manager Chad Tracy commented on Crochet's throwing program, noting, as reported by The Boston Globe, "Throwing with more intent, which is good. So, he's just going to keep plugging along, and we'll see how he progresses and where we can get him to."

Red Sox Positioning and Other Injury Updates

The Red Sox, who have an MLB-best 25-11 record since the All-Star break, hold the second AL Wild Card spot, according to MLB News. The New York Post reports a 71-59 record, 3.5 games behind the Yankees in the wild-card race. Heavy, meanwhile, states the Red Sox are 70-59 and six games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East lead, though the team's recent series against the Giants included a walkoff win by Wilyer Abreu on Saturday, as noted by Heavy.

The Boston Globe also provided updates on other injured players: Roman Anthony (sprained right wrist/hand) will join Triple-A Worcester to resume his rehab assignment; Trevor Story (sports hernia) and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (left forearm stress reaction) will be reexamined Monday; Curtis Mead is due for four-week follow-up scans on his fractured left wrist; Justin Slaten (right elbow inflammation) played catch for the first time since being sidelined; and Garrett Whitlock (right elbow inflammation) is expected back when eligible Tuesday or shortly thereafter.

The Globe also noted that the Red Sox have sold out 16 consecutive home games, with Sunday's announced crowd at 36,278, and that new Boston College men's basketball coach Luke Murray threw out the ceremonial first pitch.