Garrett Crochet: New Pitch & Red Sox Outlook 2026

Boston, February 10, 2026 — Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet is tinkering with his arsenal, and the results could be a significant boost for Boston’s pitching staff. The young star revealed he’s adjusted his changeup during the offseason, now throwing it with a splitter grip.

A New Grip, A Familiar Concern

Crochet’s changeup evolution aims to add deception while mitigating injury risk.

Crochet admitted he was initially hesitant to fully embrace the splitter grip, recalling the common fear among pitchers that it could lead to elbow problems. However, he found a grip that feels comfortable and has been recovering well.

“It’s kind of more of a splitter now than it has been in the past,” Crochet said. “I felt like I was always pretty timid to buy into that pitch, they kind of scare you growing up that it’ll give you the elbow bug, but I found one grip that works for me, and I’ve been recovering really well.”

The modification wasn’t Crochet’s solo initiative. Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey and coach Devin Rose provided him with videos and different grips to experiment with, ultimately leading to the new splitter-style changeup.

Coming Off a Breakout Season

Crochet is looking to build on an impressive 2025 campaign, where he quickly established himself as a key piece of the Red Sox rotation. He earned an All-Star selection and finished second in American League Cy Young Award voting.

In 32 starts, Crochet posted an 18-5 record with a stellar 2.59 ERA and a 1.028 WHIP. He also led all American League pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings, averaging 11.2.

What is the highest strikeout per nine innings average in the American League? Garrett Crochet led the American League with an average of 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 2025.

• Garrett Crochet has transitioned his changeup to a splitter grip during the offseason.
• The change was prompted by concerns about elbow health, but Crochet found a comfortable grip.
• Red Sox pitching coaches Andrew Bailey and Devin Rose assisted in the process.
• Crochet is aiming to replicate his stellar 2025 season, where he finished second in Cy Young voting.

As the Red Sox aim to secure consecutive postseason appearances for the first time since 2018, the strength at the top of their rotation, led by Crochet, will be crucial to their success.

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