Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet won’t be participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and he’s explained why.
Per The Boston Globe, Crochet said that, while he initially planned on pitching for Team USA in the WBC, the birth of his daughter changed the the calculus of that decision.
Garrett Crochet says that he had plans in 2025 of being part of Team USA for the 2026 WBC but his decision came down to his family (newborn baby girl) and the Red Sox so he had to make the right decision and pass.
– @BostonGlobe pic.twitter.com/4dDD5hfiRD
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) February 7, 2026
Crochet delivered a standout 2025 season with the Red Sox, establishing himself as one of the American League’s premier starting pitchers. After being acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a major trade during the previous offseason, the left-hander transitioned seamlessly into Boston’s rotation.
In 32 starts, he posted an 18-5 record with a 2.59 ERA over 205.1 innings pitched. Crochet led the majors in strikeouts with 255 while maintaining a strong 1.03 WHIP, ranking among the league leaders in several key categories.
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His performance included dominant outings, such as an 8-inning shutout gem and a strong postseason start in the AL Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, where he struck out 11 over 7.2 innings allowing just one run. Crochet earned All-MLB First Team honors and finished second in AL Cy Young voting, reflecting his elite command, swing-and-miss stuff (particularly with his sweeper) and ability to handle a career-high workload.
Overall in his career through 2025, Crochet has compiled a 27-24 record with a 2.95 ERA across 424.1 innings and 549 strikeouts in 136 games (64 starts).
Initially emerging as a high-upside reliever and then starter with the White Sox, his development peaked in Boston, where he signed a six-year, $170 million extension in March 2025 to secure his future.
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Entering the 2026 campaign, he remains a cornerstone of Boston’s revamped rotation and a top contender for further accolades after his breakout year.
