As the Yankees gear up for the new season, they’re leaning heavily on Max Fried to anchor their rotation while Cole and Rodon are on the mend. Once those two return, the Yankees will boast a formidable starting lineup, including the promising Cam Schlittler. This rotation could be one of the most daunting for any opposing lineup.
Now, let's dive into the standout performance of Garrett Crochet from the Boston Red Sox. In 2025, Crochet emerged as one of baseball's elite pitchers.
The 26-year-old left-hander dominated the mound, leading the league in strikeouts and topping the American League in innings pitched and batters faced. Boston made a bold move by trading some promising young talent to acquire him, and Crochet has certainly delivered.
Crochet’s game is a masterclass in pitching. He brings the heat with a 96.5 mph fastball and combines it with pinpoint control, boasting an impressive 25.6% K-BB ratio.
His ability to limit hard contact puts him in the top 15% for average exit velocity against. Despite surrendering 24 home runs last season, his strong groundball rate suggests there’s room for improvement in that area.
The American League Cy Young award has been in the hands of Tarik Skubal for the past two years, but Crochet made the decision tough for voters last season. If he continues to perform at this elite level, this could be the year Crochet clinches the award, especially if he matches his stellar 2025 numbers.