Red Sox’s Alex Cora Has Surprising Expectation for New Ace

The Boston Red Sox had a big offseason, with some big stars added through trade or free-agent signings. Garrett Crochet is among those newly added stars who could help the Red Sox make the postseason and become a World Series contender.

Big things are expected from Crochet, who is coming off his first All-Star selection and the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. While there should be high expectations for Crochet in his first year with the Red Sox, some goals might be set too high. On Wednesday, manager Alex Cora spoke to the media about what Crochet brings as a pitcher. He also mentioned some lofty expectations for Crochet this season.

“Just a strong dude that knows his art or his craft, whatever you want to call it,” Cora said. “Working hard with the pitching group to keep getting better. “I think for him last year was last year you know, he just got a taste of what it is to be a big-league starter and he’s eager to get this going and give us 30 starts and help us win.”

The idea of Crochet playing 30 games isn’t too far-fetched, as he played 32 games last season with the Chicago White Sox. The difference is that he only played 13 games with no starts in 2023 after missing all of the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery in early April. Crochet is fresh and eager to dominate in 2024 after playing sparingly in the 2023 season. However, it will be tough for Crochet to play a second consecutive season with 30 starts. The Red Sox had three pitchers play and start 30 games or more last season. Their fourth pitcher, Nick Pivetta, started 26 games with a 6-12 record. The final starting pitcher was Cooper Criswell, who started 18 games.

To keep their pitchers fresh for the big games and ensure they are fully healthy for the postseason, the Red Sox can’t run their star pitchers into the ground.