Multiple USA Today Experts Make Same Garrett Crochet Prediction
Multiple USA Today Experts Make Same Garrett Crochet Prediction originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Boston Red Sox acquired Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox before last season, and the move turned out to be phenomenal.
Crochet had been a starter for just one season when the Red Sox traded for him. Even though that one season was an All-Star season, Crochet had to establish himself as a true ace. He signed a six-year, $170 million extension with the Red Sox and not only established himself as an ace, but also as one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Crochet was the American League Cy Young Award runner-up last season and comes into this season with high expectations. USA Today's Jesse Yomtov, Steve Gardner and Gabe Lacques all predicted that Crochet would win the American League Cy Young Award this season. The only USA Today experts who did not pick Crochet to win the award were Bob Nightengale, who picked Framber Valdez, and Stephen Borelli, who picked Tarik Skubal.
Skubal seems to be the biggest competition for Crochet. He has won back-to-back Cy Young Awards and is the favorite going into the season. He is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers in baseball, and may feel more pressure to perform in a contract year.
Skubal has the best ERA in the American League over the last two seasons. Crochet will need to put together a phenomenal season to beat him out for the Cy Young Award if both players are healthy. More MLB: Red Sox Opening Day Roster 2026: Projected Batting Order, Pitching Rotation, Bullpen & More to Know