Holding the 1.04 in a fantasy baseball points league draft creates an opportunity to secure an elite foundational piece before the board thins at the top tier. In this build, that player is Garrett Crochet.
Why Garrett Crochet Is a Fantasy Baseball Building Block in 2026
Crochet followed his transition to full-time starter in 2024 by joining the Boston Red Sox and delivering one of the most dominant pitching seasons in baseball in 2025. He finished with 18 wins, a 2.59 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 255 strikeouts across 205 1/3 innings, issuing only 46 walks. He led all starters in strikeouts and proved that his breakout was sustainable over a full workload.
In points formats, that profile translates directly into weekly scoring power. Strikeouts carry significant weight, and Crochet’s ability to miss bats at an elite level gives him matchup-altering upside every time he takes the mound.
Just as important, his control prevents negative swings. A 5.7% walk rate (BB%) placed him among the most efficient starters in limiting free passes, reinforcing that his dominance is not built on wild volatility.
Selecting Crochet at 1.04 establishes a roster identity built around pitching strength from the outset. Because he anchors strikeouts, innings, and ratio stability, the draft can pivot toward accumulating offensive volume in subsequent rounds rather than scrambling to secure a frontline arm later. Points leagues reward innings, efficiency, and consistency, and Crochet delivers in all three areas.
Even with a workload jump of nearly 60 innings from the previous season, he maintained premium velocity, averaging 97.6 mph on his fastball, which is near the top of the league for left-handed starters.
His combination of velocity, swing-and-miss secondary offerings, and steady command makes him one of the most difficult pitchers to square up. At 26 years old and entering his third season as a full-time starter, there is still room for refinement rather than decline.
The only variable to monitor is workload management after a heavy 2025 season. Boston could choose to taper usage early, but even with cautious handling, his per-start scoring ceiling remains among the highest at the position.
At draft slot 1.04, the objective is to secure a dependable advantage that compounds over the course of the season. Garrett Crochet provides elite strikeout volume, strong efficiency, and consistent innings, making him a clear and defensible selection in that position. His weekly ceiling rivals top hitters while stabilizing roster construction from the very first pick.
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