BOSTON — After being traded to the Boston Red Sox, Garrett Crochet quickly encountered a surprising challenge concerning his jersey number. Since making his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2020, Crochet had proudly donned No. 45. However, upon arriving in Boston, he discovered that this number was retired in honor of the legendary Pedro Martínez, which posed a bit of a dilemma for the pitcher.
“That was one of the first things I noticed after the trade was finalized,” Crochet remarked on Friday. His search for an alternative number did not go smoothly either. Reflecting on his collegiate days at Tennessee, he noted, “I wore No. 34 in college, and that number is also retired.” He further explained that he hadn’t been particularly attached to any number since high school, where he wore No. 14—yet that too is retired by the Red Sox.
Boston honored David Ortiz by retiring No. 34 in 2016 and Jim Rice’s legacy is preserved through the retirement of No. 14 in 2009. Faced with limited options, Crochet ultimately chose No. 35, a number that had been vacant for the current season and was last worn by Richard Bleier in 2023, among others. The last player to wear it for a significant period was Steven Wright, who sported it from 2013 to 2019. Notably, Pedro Martínez now serves as a special assistant to the Red Sox, offering his experience during spring training.
Crochet expressed his eagerness, saying, “Conversing with Pedro would be a dream come true for me,” while also admitting he was tempering his expectations, hoping for casual encounters with the team legends.
The young pitcher was acquired during the winter meetings in an exchange that saw catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez, and outfielder Braden Montgomery sent to the White Sox. Reflecting on this transition, Crochet stated, “It’s a huge relief,” acknowledging the stress that the trade alleviated regarding logistical concerns such as housing as he prepares for spring training.
During his time with the White Sox, Crochet recorded a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA over 32 starts, contributing to a historically challenging season for his former team, which ended with a dismal 41-121 record, marking the most losses for any team since 1900. Despite this, Crochet was honored to be selected to the AL All-Star team in his debut season as a starter.
The chance to play in Boston and represent a historic franchise is something he cherishes. “Playing in front of the Boston fan base is a tremendous opportunity,” he reflected, mentioning how he grew up idolizing players like Big Papi, which makes this moment especially bittersweet.
Crochet’s current contract situation allows for arbitration during the upcoming off-seasons, but unless a long-term deal is reached, he could enter free agency following the 2026 World Series. “Honestly, I haven’t had much time to consider all that,” he noted. “Right now, my focus is on my training and preparing for spring training.”