URGENT UPDATE: The Boston Red Sox and right-hander Kutter Crawford have just finalized a $2.75 million, one-year contract, successfully avoiding arbitration. This announcement comes as Crawford looks to bounce back after missing all of last season due to significant knee and wrist injuries.
Crawford, who is now 29 years old, is returning to the team with the same salary he earned last year. In the 2024 season, he struggled on the mound, finishing with a 9-16 record and a 4.36 ERA, leading the majors with 16 losses and allowing 34 home runs. His last season was plagued by injuries, starting with a sore knee that placed him on the injured list and culminating in wrist surgery in July.
The implications of this deal are significant for the Red Sox as they prepare for the upcoming season. Crawford’s return could bolster the pitching lineup, which is crucial for the team’s performance in the fiercely competitive 2025 MLB season.
As of now, four other Red Sox players remain eligible for arbitration. These include right-handers Tanner Houck and Johan Oviedo, first baseman Triston Casas, and second baseman Romy Gonzalez. The team and players are scheduled to exchange proposed salaries this Thursday, intensifying negotiations as the offseason progresses.
Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring these developments as the Red Sox aim to improve their roster and performance heading into the new season. The urgency of these negotiations highlights the critical need for teams to finalize contracts and prepare for training camps.
This latest move is a pivotal moment for both Crawford and the Red Sox, setting the stage for what could be a transformative year for the struggling franchise. Stay tuned for more updates on player contracts and team strategies as the offseason unfolds.
