The Boston Red Sox have spent a lot of time on their pitching staff this offseason, trading for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo.
On Tuesday morning, they signed starting pitcher Kutter Crawford to a one-year, $2.75 million contract for the 2026 season, avoiding arbitration with the 29-year-old right-hander. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported the news.
It’s the same deal Crawford got last year. He missed the entire 2025 campaign, however, after suffering a season-ending wrist injury off the field.
Crawford was a key member of the Red Sox’s rotation in 2024, leading the team in starts, innings and strikeouts. He had his share of struggles as well, however, leading the Major Leagues in losses and home runs allowed.
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Given all of Boston’s recent pitching additions and promising young hurlers that have come up, Crawford may get bumped to the bullpen this year. With Gray, Oviedo, Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and others competing for starts, Crawford may work better as a long reliever/depth starter, especially as he works his way back from injury.
Tanner Houck, Triston Casas, Romy Gonzalez and Oviedo are all arbitration-eligible as well. The arbitration deadline is Thursday, so the Red Sox still have a few days to come to terms with them.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images
