Garrett Crochet Revamps Changeup as Red Sox Eye 2026 Success

Garrett Crochet's Offseason Adjustment

Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet has made a significant change to his pitching arsenal this offseason. During a recent interview, Crochet revealed he has modified his changeup by incorporating a splitter grip, making it more effective as he gears up for the 2026 MLB season. The shift was inspired by suggestions from Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey and coach Devin Rose, who provided him with instructional videos and different grip options to explore.

“It’s kind of more of a splitter now than it has been in the past,” Crochet commented, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. “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.” This careful modification highlights Crochet’s commitment to refining his skills as he prepares for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.

Reflecting on a Stellar 2025 Season

Garrett Crochet's decision to enhance his changeup comes on the heels of an impressive inaugural season with the Red Sox in 2025. He quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in the American League, earning an All-Star nod and finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting. His season statistics, a remarkable 18-5 record across 32 starts, complemented by a stellar 2.59 ERA and a 1.028 WHIP, reflect his effectiveness on the mound.

In addition to his win-loss record and earned run average, Crochet’s performance was bolstered by an average of 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, the highest among AL pitchers. This striking statistic showcases his ability to dominate opponents through strikeouts, a key attribute for any elite pitcher. With such a strong foundation, Crochet's evolution into a more formidable pitcher with a refined changeup could play a vital role in the team's future success.

Analysis of Crochet's Changeup Evolution

The changeup can often be a challenging pitch for many pitchers to master, especially when it comes to grip and execution. The potential concern about injury, particularly associated with the splitter grip, has often deterred pitchers from fully committing to it. However, Crochet appears to have embraced this adjustment confidently, showing a keen willingness to evolve as a pitcher. The changeup’s development can significantly impact how batters approach their strategy against him.

With the changeup serving as a critical off-speed pitch in a pitcher's repertoire, the incorporation of a new grip can provide additional deception and effectiveness. By pulling batters off their timing, a well-executed changeup can enhance Crochet's strikeout capability and further lower those already impressive ERA and WHIP numbers. This offseason works on a key element of his game ought to be closely monitored as he takes the mound during the regular season.

Red Sox's Ambitious 2026 Goals

As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Boston Red Sox are determined to build upon their recent successes. After missing the postseason for a number of years, they are looking to clinch consecutive playoff berths for the first time since 2018. The strength and depth of their starting rotation will be paramount to achieving this goal.

With Crochet leading the charge at the top of the rotation, coupled with talented arms that complement his skill set, the Red Sox appear poised to make a serious run at postseason glory. Crochet's commitment to improvement and his successful adaptation of the changeup may provide him with the edge needed to continue dominating hitters. The addition of this weapon could be a game changer as the team faces rival AL teams with playoff implications on the line.

Conclusion: A Solid Future Ahead for Crochet and the Red Sox

As Garrett Crochet enters the 2026 season with an evolved changeup, Red Sox fans have good reason for optimism. The combination of his incredible 2025 season and offseason adjustments positions him as a key figure for Boston's success in challenging for a playoff spot. If Crochet can harness the potential of his new pitch while maintaining the performance levels displayed last year, he could solidify himself as one of the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball.

Ultimately, Crochet’s work ethic and willingness to refine his game will not only impact his career trajectory but also the fortunes of the Boston Red Sox as they seek to write a new chapter in their storied history. The 2026 season is set to be an exciting ride for both Crochet and the Red Sox, as fans eagerly anticipate the team's progress towards postseason aspirations.