Red Sox, Kutter Crawford Avoid Arbitration with One-Year Deal

The Boston Red Sox quietly took care of more offseason business by avoiding arbitration with right-handed pitcher Kutter Crawford. They agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract.

This move probably won’t make a splash, but it’s got real implications for the pitching staff and spring training. It also hints at the organization’s broader roster strategy heading into 2025.

Red Sox Reach Agreement With Kutter Crawford

The Sox and Crawford settled on a $2.75 million salary. That’s the same as last year and lines up with what you’d expect for players coming off a lost season.

Crawford’s service time and injury history made it pretty likely Boston would keep him around. There wasn’t much suspense there.

Boston keeps avoiding arbitration, which seems to be part of a bigger plan to bring stability to the roster. Getting things done early lets the front office focus on other needs.

Why the $2.75 Million Deal Makes Sense

Financially, this deal just adds up. Pitchers who miss a season to injury rarely get raises and usually stick at the same salary.

Crawford’s contract reflects a few things:

Looking Back at Crawford’s Last Healthy Season

When he’s healthy, Crawford can handle a solid workload. Three years ago, he made 25 starts.

In his most recent full season, he took the mound 33 times and led the team with 183 2/3 innings.

He finished that 2024 campaign with a 4.36 ERA. His strikeout and walk rates looked decent, so there’s something to build on.

But late in the season, he gave up a bunch of home runs, and that really hurt his numbers.

The Home Run Problem and Lingering Injuries

Crawford allowed 34 home runs, leading the majors. Most of those came late, which really inflated his ERA.

He also pitched through right knee discomfort for a good chunk of the year. The next season, he started on the injured list and then hurt his right wrist during rehab, needing surgery and missing the whole year.

Rotation Competition Looms This Spring

If Crawford shows up healthy, he’ll face tough competition for a rotation spot. The top three—Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, and Brayan Bello—look set.

That leaves two rotation spots up for grabs.

Candidates Battling for the Final Rotation Jobs

Crawford will be up against a group of veterans coming back from injury and some younger arms, including:

Most of these pitchers, including Crawford, have minor-league options. The Red Sox can send them to Triple-A Worcester or use them as long relievers if they don’t make the rotation.

Part of a Broader Arbitration Strategy

Crawford’s deal is just one part of Boston’s arbitration approach. The team already avoided arbitration with Jarren Duran and Connor Wong, locking in some key guys.

Talks are still going with Tanner Houck, Triston Casas, Romy Gonzalez, and Johan Oviedo. If Boston can sort those out, it’ll help set the roster up for a rebound year.

What This Means for Crawford and the Sox

For Crawford, this season feels like a real crossroads. If he stays healthy, he might carve out a path back to meaningful innings—maybe as a starter, maybe as a multi-inning reliever.

The Red Sox made a modest investment here, so they keep some upside without much risk. In a rotation that’s honestly pretty uncertain after the top three, Crawford’s experience and versatility could matter—assuming his body holds up.

Spring training’s going to shape whether his next chapter happens in Boston or down in Worcester. It’s hard to say just yet, but it’ll be interesting to watch.

 
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