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In professional sports, reactions are often immediate and exaggerated. A single win can feel like a championship, while a loss can trigger panic. This tendency fuels hot takes across all sports, and the Boston Red Sox are no exception.
Boston was eliminated by the New York Yankees in the wild-card round for the second consecutive year, and at one point in the summer, the team held the worst record in the American League. However, the Red Sox rebounded despite missing two key players, Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony, for most of the season.
This context has led to some questionable narratives, including early chatter about the 2027 rotation that casts doubt on Crochet's role. MLB.com's Ian Browne identified Payton Tolle, Ranger Suarez, and Jake Bennett as three pitchers who "definitely figure" into the 2027 rotation, notably excluding Crochet. The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey also labeled those three as "locks," again leaving out Crochet.
Speculation about Crochet's future role is misguided. Yes, he had a challenging 2026 season, but he was healthy by the end, and Tracy indicated after the season that Crochet is expected to have a fully healthy and normal offseason. Injuries are unpredictable and can happen to any player, but Boston did not commit $170 million to Crochet to use him as a reliever.
Unless another injury occurs, Crochet will not only be in the 2027 rotation but likely will be the Opening Day starter and the workhorse of the staff. His 2026 setback should not overshadow his elite pedigree: he finished second in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2025 behind Tarik Skubal and arguably deserved the award. Injuries happen, but they do not diminish Crochet's ability to lead the rotation in 2027.
Key Analysis
The rush to anoint unproven arms while dismissing a pitcher of Crochet's caliber reflects the reactive nature of sports discourse. Crochet's track record and contract make him a cornerstone, not a question mark. The Red Sox's investment signals their belief in his health and performance, and his 2025 Cy Young runner-up finish underscores his potential to dominate. Until proven otherwise, Crochet remains a pivotal figure in Boston's plans.