There were lots of great pitching performances in the Major Leagues last year. Surprisingly, however, there wasn't a single no-hitter.
No-hitters are rare, but not that rare. Last season was the first without one since 2005.
Accordingly, MLB is due for a no-hitter this year. Several pitchers are capable of throwing one, and Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet is near the top of that list.
In fact, MLB Network believes Crochet will throw the first one of the season.
"He was better at the end of the year than he was at the beginning of the year," Dan Plesac said on Monday's episode of "MLB Tonight." "To me, there are five really legitimate ace starting pitchers...he's one of the five. I'm calling him out to be the first guy to throw a no-no in '26."
#MLBTonight's declarations for the 2026 season:
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 17, 2026
- More hitters will hit above .300
- Garrett Crochet will throw a no-hitter
- Pirates make a Postseason push
- Cristopher Sánchez will win 20+ games@adnansvirk | @Plesac19 pic.twitter.com/IOcJPZYkMM
If Crochet picks up where he left off last season, it's certainly possible. The big lefty had a career year in his first season with the Red Sox, going 18-5 with a 2.59 ERA while leading the American League in innings and strikeouts.
The biggest keys to pitching a no-hitter are durability and dominance, and Crochet has both. He has the ability to go deep into games, logging at least seven innings in 15 of his 33 starts last season, including the playoffs. He also misses tons of bats and keeps the ball out of play, leading the AL with an 11.2 K/9 last year.
Crochet also has the weather on his side, as cooler temperatures tend to suppress offense in April and May. He's also a fast starter, posting a better ERA in the first half compared to the second half in each of the last two seasons.
As such, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see the two-time All-Star twirl a no-hitter this year, especially early in the season.
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