Garrett Crochet: AL Cy Young Contender in 2026? The Red Sox Ace Could Bring Home Major Hardware

With the 2026 MLB season on the horizon, predictions for the upcoming year are starting to roll in. As always, fans and analysts are eagerly discussing potential breakout players and award winners. One name that has already surfaced in early-season predictions is Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, whose remarkable 2025 season has many believing that he is on the cusp of securing some serious hardware.

After finishing second for the American League Cy Young Award in 2025, narrowly losing out to back-to-back winner Tarik Skubal, some experts are now predicting that Crochet could be the one to take home the prestigious honor in 2026. For a player who was dominant last season and is entering the prime of his career, it’s clear that the 2026 season could be one for the history books.

A Career Year in 2025: Crochet’s Impressive Season

Garrett Crochet’s 2025 campaign with the Red Sox was nothing short of phenomenal. The 26-year-old left-hander, known as “War Pig,” posted an 18-5 record in 32 starts, with a dominant 2.59 ERA. But his excellence wasn’t just reflected in his win-loss record or ERA; it was his sheer dominance on the mound that set him apart. Crochet led Major League Baseball with 255 strikeouts, while also leading the American League with 205.1 innings pitched.

But Crochet’s performance didn’t stop at the strikeouts. He also threw a league-leading shutout, further solidifying his status as one of the most dangerous pitchers in baseball. On top of all that, he accumulated a career-high 6.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), a remarkable achievement for a player in just his fifth MLB season.

Why Crochet Could Take Home the AL Cy Young in 2026

In a recent article discussing early predictions for 2026 award winners, MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince selected Crochet as his pick for the AL Cy Young Award. Castrovince pointed out that the race between Crochet and Skubal for the 2025 Cy Young was much closer than it appeared on the surface. While Skubal ultimately claimed the award, Castrovince argued that Crochet’s superior innings count and impressive advanced metrics made him a worthy contender.

“Crochet threw 10 more innings than Skubal, and Baseball Prospectus’ WAR model, which considers opponent quality, actually had Crochet at 7.0 vs. Skubal’s 5.9 mark,” Castrovince noted. This suggests that, even though Crochet finished second in the voting, his overall value to the Red Sox in 2025 may have been greater than that of Skubal, despite the latter’s Cy Young win.

With a full season under his belt in Boston, Crochet’s transition to becoming a true ace for the Red Sox is now complete. Castrovince emphasized the fact that Crochet’s arsenal of pitches, particularly his wipeout stuff, makes him a force to be reckoned with: “When you strike out roughly one-third of opposing batters as a matter of routine, you’re going to find yourself in the Cy Young conversation.”

For Crochet, the 2026 season will be about redemption. After coming so close to claiming the Cy Young in 2025, he will be on a mission to ensure that the award doesn’t slip through his fingers again. His performance in 2025 was a statement, and he will look to continue his dominance on the mound in 2026.

Crochet’s Pitching Savant Status: The Numbers Don’t Lie

One of the most compelling reasons why Crochet is viewed as a Cy Young contender in 2026 is the otherworldly numbers he put up in 2025. When you look at his Baseball Savant page, it’s easy to see why he’s considered one of the best pitchers in the league. His K% rank was in the 93rd percentile (31.3%), Whiff% at 78th (29.4%), and xERA at 91st (2.91). He also ranked in the 83rd percentile in xBA, with a mark of .212.

But those numbers don’t even begin to tell the whole story. Crochet’s pitch selection is as dangerous as it gets. His fastball, clocked at an average of 96.4 MPH, is well above the league average for left-handed pitchers (93.1 MPH). His cutter, which comes in at 90.9 MPH, and his sinker, at 96 MPH, make him even more difficult to hit. His offspeed stuff, including a sweeper at 82.7 MPH and a changeup at 87.7 MPH, are just as deadly as his fastball.

What makes Crochet even more difficult to hit is his unique arm angle and extension. With a 35-degree arm angle and a 79th percentile ranking in extension, hitters simply can’t figure out how to attack his pitches. The combination of his velocity, movement, and deception is why he is consistently able to overpower hitters.

Crochet’s Five-Pitch Mix: A Nightmare for Batters

Crochet’s success on the mound is not solely due to one pitch. Rather, it’s his five-pitch mix that makes him nearly impossible to face. His arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, cutter, sweeper, sinker, and changeup. This variety gives him the ability to keep hitters off-balance, never allowing them to get comfortable.

The key to Crochet’s success is his ability to vary his pitch speeds and keep hitters guessing. His fastball is his primary weapon, but he is just as effective with his offspeed offerings. The sweeper and changeup work to generate swings and misses, while the sinker is perfect for inducing ground balls. Together, these pitches make Crochet one of the most complete pitchers in the game.

In addition to his stuff, Crochet’s ability to throw his entire repertoire for strikes is another reason why he’s a Cy Young contender. He commands his pitches well, and when he’s on, he can make hitters look foolish at the plate. His high strikeout rate and ability to limit hard contact are testament to his dominance.

Can Crochet Take the Cy Young in 2026?

Looking ahead to 2026, the big question is whether Crochet can take home his first Cy Young Award. After coming so close in 2025, it’s clear that he has the potential to be the best pitcher in the American League. His stuff is elite, and he has the track record to back it up. With another year of experience under his belt and a full season in Boston, Crochet has all the tools to reach the next level.

If Crochet can stay healthy and continue to dominate on the mound, there’s little doubt that he will be in the Cy Young conversation once again. And this time, he might just bring home the hardware that eluded him in 2025.

The Red Sox’s Future with Crochet as Their Ace

For the Red Sox, having Crochet as their ace is a huge advantage. The team’s pitching staff is looking stronger than ever, and with Crochet leading the charge, they could be a serious contender in the AL East. His presence at the top of the rotation gives the Red Sox a reliable ace they can count on in key games.

As for Crochet, the 2026 season will be about proving that his 2025 performance wasn’t a fluke. With his incredible pitching talent and an arsenal that few can match, Crochet is poised for another outstanding season. And if he can continue to build on his success, the Cy Young Award could be in his future.