There’s been an increase in Garrett Crochet talk lately, but the chatter hasn’t been entirely about the Red Sox ace’s incoming Opening Day start.

Crochet’s contract situation remains a hot topic of conversation in Boston. The 25-year-old has two years left on his current deal, but when you consider Crochet’s talent and the amount the Red Sox gave up to acquire him, it’s fair to assume the franchise is very interested in signing the star southpaw long-term.

However, Boston’s regular-season opener is mere days away and the sides have yet to find common ground on an extension. Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy touched on the topic on the latest episode of the “Fenway Rundown” podcast.

“We’re thrilled to have Garrett anchor our rotation in 2025,” Kennedy told hosts Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam. “We will keep the conversations around extension in-house and private. I will say, from talking to Garrett and his wife, Rachel, seeing their reaction to coming to Boston, seeing them down in spring training, this would be a great place for him long-term. Hopefully, he feels that way as well. But in terms of contract negotiations and discussions, we’ll keep that private and leave it to Bres (Craig Breslow) and his representatives.”

Crochet last week revealed he established an Opening Day deadline for extension conversations, as he doesn’t want any distractions once the games begin. However, Kennedy recalled multiple situations in which the Red Sox ironed out new deals after supposed benchmarks were put in place. Alex Cora, for example, surprised many last summer when he extended his deal in Boston.

So, while there might be some general uneasiness among the Fenway Faithful about Crochet’s future, it’s far too early for Red Sox fans to panic.