New Update On Garrett Crochet-Red Sox Extension Talks Before Opening Day
There’s been an increase in Garrett Crochet talk lately, but the chatter hasn’t been entirely about the Red Sox ace’s incoming Opening Day start.
Crochet’s contract situation remains a hot topic of conversation in Boston. The 25-year-old has two years left on his current deal, but when you consider Crochet’s talent and the amount the Red Sox gave up to acquire him, it’s fair to assume the franchise is very interested in signing the star southpaw long-term.
However, Boston’s regular-season opener is mere days away and the sides have yet to find common ground on an extension. Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy touched on the topic on the latest episode of the “Fenway Rundown” podcast.
“We’re thrilled to have Garrett anchor our rotation in 2025,” Kennedy told hosts Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam. “We will keep the conversations around extension in-house and private. I will say, from talking to Garrett and his wife, Rachel, seeing their reaction to coming to Boston, seeing them down in spring training, this would be a great place for him long-term. Hopefully, he feels that way as well. But in terms of contract negotiations and discussions, we’ll keep that private and leave it to Bres (Craig Breslow) and his representatives.”
Crochet last week revealed he established an Opening Day deadline for extension conversations, as he doesn’t want any distractions once the games begin. However, Kennedy recalled multiple situations in which the Red Sox ironed out new deals after supposed benchmarks were put in place. Alex Cora, for example, surprised many last summer when he extended his deal in Boston.
So, while there might be some general uneasiness among the Fenway Faithful about Crochet’s future, it’s far too early for Red Sox fans to panic.
Mayer (5 RBIs) right at home in ‘super electric’ environment in Mexico
MONTERREY, Mexico — With many fans decked out in Red Sox jerseys (number 34 seemed to be a particular favorite) and a mascot wearing a giant sombrero, there was an atmosphere at Estadio Mobil Super that was intoxicating to all those in attendance on Monday night.
Salsa and American music played loudly, and walk-up songs often didn’t stop until a player was already in the batters’ box in the opener of a two-game exhibition series between the Red Sox and Sultanes de Monterrey, with Boston taking the first game, 10-1. Spectators belted out the lyrics to their favorite tunes and often danced as they did.
- Get tickets early for Red Sox promotions and giveaways
For the Red Sox, it was something different. Well, for most of the Red Sox.
For Marcelo Mayer, MLB Pipeline’s No. 12 overall prospect, it was just as he expected, and that was a beautiful thing.
The Chula Vista, Calif., native grew up 10 minutes from the Mexican border, the son of two parents who were born in Mexico.
Beaming before the game about playing in Mexico for the first time, Mayer made himself at home once the festivities started. The gifted left-handed hitter belted a two-run double, added a sacrifice fly to left field that almost left the yard before capping his night with a solo homer to right-center.
When Mayer went deep, he stood and watched the ball in flight, before blowing several bubbles with his gum as he rounded the bases.
“It doesn’t get much better than that. Especially for me,” Mayer said. “I’ve never played in a big league game, so that’s definitely the most fans I’ve played in front of. And just the environment that they brought tonight was super electric. It was a great time.”
For the Red Sox, it was a great time watching their No. 3 prospect rise to the moment.
“He’s a good player. The more you see him, he passes the eye test,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “I had a feeling that this atmosphere, something cool was going to happen with him. He was very excited about the whole thing, and for him to put a show in front of this crowd was amazing.”
Of everyone in the team traveling party, Mayer was probably the most excited about making this trip.
“This was something that I penciled in the offseason,” Mayer said. “I’m super glad that I was able to come. Everything about Mexico, from the people to the food, to the way that people are here, and just the culture, I love everything about it, so I’m super happy to be here.”
